What GentleCure is
GentleCure is a brand name for image-guided superficial radiotherapy, an FDA-cleared, non-surgical option for treating select early-stage basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. It uses low-energy X-rays delivered directly to the skin, with ultrasound imaging used to help the team visualize the area being treated.
GentleCure is one of several treatment options for non-melanoma skin cancer. Surgical options such as Mohs surgery and standard excision remain important, and your dermatologist will help you understand which option fits your specific cancer and goals.
Not every skin cancer is appropriate for GentleCure. The information here is general and is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. To find out whether you may be a candidate, please schedule a consultation.
Who may be a candidate
Candidacy for GentleCure depends on the type, size, depth, and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health and treatment goals. The following situations are often discussed with patients.
Select basal or squamous cell skin cancers
GentleCure is FDA-cleared for appropriate non-melanoma skin cancers, specifically certain basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Your provider will confirm whether your specific diagnosis is a fit.
Patients who want to avoid surgery
Patients who prefer not to have a surgical procedure, or for whom surgery may not be ideal, may want to discuss GentleCure as a non-surgical option.
Cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas
Areas where preserving appearance or function is a priority, such as the face, ears, nose, or lower legs, may be appropriate to consider for GentleCure, depending on the tumor.
Other medical considerations
Patients on blood thinners, with diabetes, or with conditions that make surgical healing more difficult may benefit from a non-surgical option. Your dermatologist will review your full history before recommending treatment.
These descriptions are general. The only way to know if GentleCure is right for your specific diagnosis is a consultation with a dermatologist.
How treatment works
A GentleCure course is delivered in several short, in-office sessions over a few weeks. Here is what a typical treatment journey looks like at Advanced Dermatology of Alaska.
Consultation and confirmation
Your dermatologist reviews your biopsy, examines the area, and discusses whether GentleCure is an appropriate option for your specific skin cancer. Other options, including Mohs surgery and standard excision, are reviewed so you can make an informed choice.
Imaging and treatment planning
Ultrasound imaging helps the team confirm the size and depth of the cancer. This information is used to plan a treatment that targets the lesion while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
In-office treatment sessions
Treatment is delivered as a series of short visits, typically a few times per week over several weeks. Each session is brief, comfortable, and performed without anesthesia. You can usually drive yourself to and from appointments.
Skin monitoring during treatment
Your team monitors the skin throughout the treatment course and manages any temporary skin reactions, such as redness or peeling, which generally resolve after treatment ends.
Follow-up and ongoing skin checks
After completing the series, follow-up visits help confirm healing and watch the area over time. Routine full-body skin exams remain important for long-term skin cancer surveillance.
Benefits for appropriate patients
For patients whose cancer and circumstances are a good fit, GentleCure offers several patient-centered advantages over some surgical options. Individual results vary, and your provider will discuss what you can realistically expect.
Non-surgical, no cutting
GentleCure uses precisely targeted low-energy X-rays to treat the cancer. There are no incisions, no stitches, and no surgical scar at the treatment site.
Anesthesia-free, in-office sessions
Treatments are performed in the office, take only a few minutes each, and do not require anesthesia. Most patients return to normal activities right away.
Designed for skin
GentleCure delivers low-energy radiotherapy designed to treat the cancer at the depth where most non-melanoma skin cancers live, helping protect deeper tissue.
Strong outcomes for appropriate patients
Clinical studies on image-guided superficial radiotherapy have reported high cure rates for appropriately selected early-stage basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Your provider will review what the evidence means for your case.
When surgery may still be recommended
GentleCure is not the right choice for every skin cancer. Surgery remains an important and often preferred treatment in a number of situations.
- Tumors that are large, deeply invasive, or involve underlying structures may be better treated surgically.
- Recurrent skin cancers, or cancers with poorly defined or aggressive features, are often better suited to Mohs micrographic surgery, which evaluates every margin under a microscope.
- Certain locations or higher-risk pathology types may not meet criteria for GentleCure.
- Some melanomas and rare skin tumors require surgical removal and are not appropriate for superficial radiotherapy.
- Your dermatologist will discuss the best treatment for your specific cancer, your goals, and your overall health.
The goal is the right treatment for the right patient. Our team will walk you through the options and the reasoning behind any recommendation.
Learn more
Explore related information about skin cancer care at Advanced Dermatology of Alaska, or reach out to schedule a visit.
Skin Cancer
Overview of skin cancer types, screening, diagnosis, and the treatment options we offer in Alaska.
Skin cancer overviewMohs Surgery
The surgical gold standard for many basal and squamous cell skin cancers, with same-day microscope analysis.
Learn about MohsSchedule a Consultation
Talk with our team about whether GentleCure or another option may be right for your skin cancer.
Book an appointmentFrequently asked questions
What is GentleCure?
GentleCure is a brand name for image-guided superficial radiotherapy (IGSRT), an FDA-cleared, non-surgical option used to treat select early-stage basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. It uses low-energy X-rays directed at the skin, guided by ultrasound imaging.
Is GentleCure a good option for me?
GentleCure may be an option for appropriate patients with select basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. Whether it is right for you depends on the type, size, depth, and location of your cancer, as well as your medical history and personal preferences. A dermatology consultation is the best way to find out.
How long does a course of GentleCure take?
Treatment is typically delivered over several weeks, with short in-office sessions a few times per week. Your specific plan depends on your diagnosis, and your care team will explain the schedule before you begin.
Are there side effects?
Most side effects are limited to the treatment area and may include temporary redness, dryness, peeling, or color changes that generally improve after treatment ends. Your team will review what to expect and how to care for your skin during and after the course.
Does GentleCure replace skin cancer surgery?
No. GentleCure is one option among several. Surgical treatments such as Mohs micrographic surgery and standard excision remain important and are often recommended for higher-risk or more advanced cancers. Your dermatologist will discuss the best fit for your situation.
Is GentleCure available in Alaska?
Yes. Advanced Dermatology of Alaska offers GentleCure for appropriate patients, so you can be evaluated and treated locally without traveling out of state.