Radionuclide therapy of basal cell carcinoma with Phosphorus-32 skin patch

Objectives Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common skin cancers. Surgery and /or radiotherapy are the standard treatments. This study was done to test the efficacy and safety of radioactive skin patch incorporating Phosphorus-32 for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

Methods After giving complete information about the study, patients who preferred patch application over surgery were included. Eight patients (4 male and 4 female) aged between 45-74 years (mean 57.25, median 57) were evaluated. All patients had histopathologically proven unifocal basal cell carcinoma on face. Four patients had lesion close to eyes, 3 on nose and 1 on forehead. None had invasion of underlying structures. Sealed patches incorporating P-32 (as phosphoric acid) containing 1 mCi /sq.cm were custom made according to size and shape of the lesions and applied locally on the tumour site for 3hrs.The patches were reapplied on 4^th/5^th and 7^th/8^th day after the first application, for 3 hrs each. Biopsies were taken from centre and margins of the lesions 3 months after patch application.

Results Histopathological examination of biopsies from both centre and margins of the lesions were negative for any residual malignant disease in all the patients. Routine haematological and biochemical examinations did not reveal any toxicity. There was minimal scarring of the tumour site and it was acceptable to the patient.

Conclusions Radionuclide therapy using P32 patch shows complete resolution of BCC and it may be a good alternative in cases where surgery or radiotherapy is difficult.