New Study Determines that Radiation Therapy Offers Hope and Excellent Restoration In Treating Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer of Eye Lids
PORT SAINT LUCIE, Fla., May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Gary L. Marder, D.O., Medical Director of Marder Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Port Saint Lucie and Okeechobee, Florida (www.marderdermatology.com) has published a study in the May 2012 issue of the peer-reviewed journal, Cosmetic Dermatology.
The study, titled "Radiation Therapy Offering Hope and Excellent Cosmesis for Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer of the Eyelid: A Retrospective Review," looked at 11 patients who received radiation therapy for nonmelanoma skin cancers of the eyelid in the last three years. Each of the patients involved in the study, led by Dr. Marder, received hyperfractionation treatments (where radiation is divided into smaller doses and administered multiple times a day), consisting of two treatments a day, for 20 days. Some patients also received topical anesthetic drops to ease the discomfort of the procedure. However, all patients received antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. In total, every patient was given 40 treatments.
All 11 patients reported being extremely satisfied with the exceptional cosmetic outcome of the radiation therapy as well as the pain-free treatment course. Common side effects were minimal, but included temporary loss of eyelashes in the treated area and mild irritation. Irritation and eyelash loss were short lived. More importantly, there was no scarring of the eyelid at one or 20 years after treatment.
Research shows that 13 million Americans are living with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer. "Our results indicate that radiation therapy for non-melanoma skin cancers of the eyelid should be a first-line treatment option. However, radiation is likely used less than it should be," says Dr. Gary Marder. "As physicians, we must consider radiation a valuable treatment in the fight against these skin cancers."
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About Dr. Gary L. Marder, DO, FAOCD
Dr. Marderis the medical director of Marder Dermatology, and Skin Cancer Center located in Port Saint Lucie and Okeechobee, Florida. Dr. Marder has successfully treated over 80,000 skin cancers. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery at three different medical schools, S.E.C.O.M./Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, L.E.C.O.M. in Bradenton, Florida, and Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Marder has practiced in Florida since 1983 and has a very unique practice - - he not only specializes in dermatology, but he sub-specializes in cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery for skin cancers, and is one of the only dermatologists in the state of Florida who is trained and state licensed to treat difficult skin cancers with radiation therapy in the office.
SOURCE Dr. Marder
