Current Use of Dermatologic Radiotherapy in the United States

Abstract

Radiation therapy was a widely used therapeutic modality for cancer and inflammatory disease by dermatologists for many decades. A noticeable decrease in the use of radiation therapy by many practicing dermatologists began in the 1960s. Reasons for the decreased use during this time period included the introduction of more effective topical and systemic drugs for benign entities and increasing public awareness of the biological effects and hazards of ionizing radiation. With regard to the use of radiotherapy for non-melanoma skin cancer by dermatologists, the development of fellowships in Mohs micrographic surgery greatly diminished the need for dermatologic radiotherapy beginning in the mid-1970s. Continued de-emphasis in the teaching, use, and practical application of dermatologic radiotherapy by training institutions and the American Academy of Dermatology could potentially remove this once-useful modality from the armamentarium of dermatologists.