Xoft® Radiation Therapy

Q: What is Xoft® Radiation Therapy?

Xoft® radiation therapy is a targeted form of radiotherapy that uses a miniature X-ray source and surface applicator to deliver low-energy radiation directly to a skin cancer lesion. The radiation dose is shaped to the lesion’s size and depth and decreases quickly beyond the treatment area, helping limit exposure to nearby healthy tissue. The portable Xoft® system can also treat cancers in anatomically challenging locations.

Q: What Does Radiation Therapy Treat?

Radiation therapy treats many types of cancer, but Cochise Oncology primarily uses Xoft® for non-melanoma skin cancer, including lesions on areas that may be difficult to treat surgically, such as the face, scalp, nose, ears, arms, and legs. Xoft® may be an option for patients who cannot have surgery or prefer a nonsurgical treatment. Your radiation oncologist will determine whether it is appropriate based on the cancer’s type, size, depth, and location, as well as your medical history and previous treatments.

Q: How Does Xoft® Radiation Therapy Work?

The Xoft® Axxent® Electronic Brachytherapy (eBx) System uses a miniature X-ray source and applicator placed over the skin cancer to deliver localized radiation directly to the treatment area. Treatment requires no anesthesia, usually involves little to no downtime, and is typically delivered through a series of in-office sessions over several weeks.

Q: How Should I Prepare for My Treatment?

Follow the preparation instructions provided by your oncologist and radiation care team, which may vary based on the treatment area and your medical history. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area, and do not apply lotions, creams, makeup, or other products to the area unless your care team approves them.

Q: How Long Will My Treatment Last?

Each Xoft® treatment typically takes about 8–15 minutes, although the full appointment may take longer for preparation and positioning. Many skin cancer treatment plans include 8–10 sessions, but your schedule will depend on the cancer’s type, size, depth, and location and the prescribed radiation dose. Most patients can return to normal activities after each treatment.

Q: What are the Side Effects?

Xoft® radiation therapy side effects are generally limited to the treated area and may include redness or darkening, dryness, itching, tenderness, peeling, or a sunburn-like sensation; some patients may also experience fatigue. Side effects vary and may continue briefly after treatment, and your care team can recommend skin care and help manage symptoms.

Radiation Therapy Utilizing the Latest Xoft® Technologies

When faced with a skin cancer diagnosis, your treatment plan will likely include some form of radiation therapy. Whether it’s a standalone procedure or in conjunction with other cancer treatments, Cochise Oncology delivers excellence in cancer and patient care.

By combining innovative Xoft® skin cancer therapy with the experience of our team, Cochise Oncology offers targeted, non-surgical treatment designed to make the process safer and more convenient.

This targeted treatment delivers radiation directly to the cancerous area while helping limit exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. For appropriate patients, it can provide a convenient, non-surgical option without an incision or the recovery associated with surgery.

What is Xoft® Radiation Therapy?

Xoft® radiation therapy is an advanced form of radiotherapy that utilizes a tiny X-ray source (as small as your fingertip) and surface applicator to deliver low-energy radiation directly to the skin cancer lesion.

Because the X-ray source is placed close to the treatment area, the prescribed dose of radiation can be shaped to the size and depth of the lesion. The dose decreases quickly beyond the targeted area, helping reduce exposure to deeper tissue and nearby healthy skin.

The Xoft® machine is portable while offering a faster option that is clinically proven to be safe and effective, making it particularly ideal for treating anatomically challenging locations.

What Does Radiation Therapy Treat?

Radiation therapy is used to treat a range of cancers, but at Cochise Oncology, Xoft® is primarily used for skin cancer. The Xoft® system’s intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) allows for painless, scar-free treatment of skin cancer.

The Xoft® system can easily treat areas that may be more difficult to reach with surgery, such as the face, scalp, nose, ears, arms, and legs.

Surgery remains a common treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer, but it may not be suitable or preferred in every situation. Patients who can’t have surgery for medical reasons or want to avoid surgery may be good candidates for the Xoft® radiation treatment.

Your radiation oncologist will review the type, size, depth and location of the lesion, along with your medical history and any previous treatments, to determine whether Xoft® is appropriate for you.

How Does Xoft® Radiation Therapy Work?

The Xoft® Axxent® Electronic Brachytherapy (eBx) System brings the source of radiation closer to the target tissue, shaping the treatment to kill cancer cells without damaging healthy cells or organs. It uses a miniature X-ray source to deliver localized radiation through an applicator placed over the skin cancer.

The machine itself comprises the Axxent x-ray source, surface applicators, surface applicator kit, and FlexiShield. The applicator remains in place while the miniature X-ray source delivers the prescribed radiation.

The treatment is minimally invasive, requires no anesthesia, and usually requires little to no downtime. It’s generally performed in a series of in-office treatments over several weeks.

How Should I Prepare for My Treatment?

Before your treatment, the oncologist will determine a plan based upon the condition of your skin cancer, your age, your health, and other individual circumstances. It’s important to speak openly with your doctor so they can ensure you’re receiving the best treatment option for you. Our stylishly comfortable treatment center provides access to a range of essential items you may need before, during, and after the treatment.

Your oncologist and radiation care team will give you instructions based on the location being treated and your medical history. However, wear comfortable clothing that allows the treatment area to be reached easily. Do not apply lotions, creams, makeup or other products to the area unless your care team says they are safe to use.

How Long Will My Treatment Last?

The Xoft® procedure is typically completed in just 8-15 minutes, although the full appointment will take longer for positioning and preparation.

A treatment course may consist of a short series of office treatments. Many skin cancer treatment plans are delivered in 8 to 10 sessions; however, your exact schedule will depend on the type, size, depth, and location of the cancer and the dose prescribed by your radiation oncologist.

Typically, no downtime is required, so you can return to your normal activities after each treatment. Cochise Oncology’s team of compassionate experts will guide you through the expectations for your personalized Xoft® treatment.

What are the Side Effects?

Because Xoft radiation therapy delivers a focused dose to the treatment area, side effects are generally concentrated in the treated skin. Patients may experience redness or darkening, dryness, itching, tenderness, peeling, or a sunburn-like sensation. Some patients may also experience fatigue.

Side effects vary from person to person and may continue for a short time after treatment. Your care team will monitor the area, recommend appropriate skin care, and help manage any other symptoms that develop.

Find Out Whether Xoft® Treatment Is Right for You

You deserve a treatment plan that considers both cancer and your quality of life. Schedule a consultation at Cochise Oncology in Sierra Vista to learn whether Xoft® radiation therapy may be an option for you.