Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026
05:44
Skin Biopsy for Diagnosing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: June 10, 2025
1.1K
GEC-ESTRO ACROP recommendations in skin brachytherapy
Jose L Guinot1, Agata Rembielak2, Jose Perez-Calatayud3
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Foundation Instituto Valenciano de Oncologia (I.V.O.), Valencia, Spain.
Summary
Skin brachytherapy (BT) offers an effective, minimally invasive treatment for rising skin cancer rates. Recommendations are provided due to a lack of trials, highlighting BT
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Skin cancer incidence is increasing globally.
- Brachytherapy (BT) presents a minimally invasive treatment option.
- Elderly and frail patients benefit from shorter treatment durations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile literature data and expert experience on skin brachytherapy.
- To develop general recommendations for skin BT on behalf of the GEC-ESTRO Group.
Main Methods:
- Exhaustive review of published articles.
- Literature search for general recommendations on skin BT.
Main Results:
- Lack of randomized controlled trials, systemic reviews, and meta-analyses.
- Wide variety of successful prescription techniques exist.
- BT can be superficial (contact/plesiotherapy) or interstitial for tumors >5mm.
- BT offers dosimetric advantages over external beam radiotherapy for curved surfaces.
- Smaller target volumes allow higher doses per fraction and shorter treatment overall.
Conclusions:
- Skin BT is an effective, non-invasive or minimally invasive treatment.
- BT is particularly suitable for elderly and frail populations.
- General recommendations are needed due to limited high-level evidence.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
6.0K
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
6.0K
01:16Sensory Functions of the Skin
8.4K
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a crucial role in our sensory perception. It contains a vast network of sensory receptors that contribute to the skin's protective function by perceiving physical, biological, and environmental cues and generating relevant responses.
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
8.4K
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
5.6K
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
5.6K
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
8.0K
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
8.0K
01:05Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails
3.4K
Nails are one of the important accessory structures of the skin. They are hard, protective structures that cover the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of fingers and toes. Nails are composed of specialized keratinized cells and serve various functions, including protection, sensation, and manual dexterity.
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
3.4K
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
3.8K
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
3.8K