Treating lentigo maligna can be complicated, but an emerging soft X-ray therapy has shown promise. In this article, we will explore a significant study conducted in Sweden in detail and discuss the efficacy and safety of this innovative treatment.
A Reference Studio in Stockholm
Between 1990 and 2009, 593 patients were treated with soft X-rays in the Department of Dermatology at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Treatment was performed twice a week for 3 consecutive weeks, with total doses ranging from 100 to 160 Gy.
Study population
Of the total patient population, 425 were followed up for at least 2 years, and 241 of these were followed up for 5 years. The large age range and diversity of cases provided a good basis for analyzing the efficacy of the treatment.
Main Results
The results of the study were very encouraging:
- Complete Clearance: 520 of 593 patients (88%) achieved complete clearance after a single fractionated treatment.
- Residual Lesions and Recurrence: Residual lesions were observed in 15 patients, and 58 had a recurrence, with 53 of these (72%) within 2 years.
- Cosmetic Result: In addition to its efficacy in treating lentigo maligna, soft X-ray therapy has also produced excellent cosmetic results.
Characteristics of Soft X-Rays
Soft X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than traditional X-rays. These characteristics make them particularly suitable for treating superficial lesions such as lentigo maligna, allowing for targeted action with less damage to surrounding tissue .
Conclusion: Effectiveness and Safety
CONCLUSIONS: Soft X-ray therapy of lentigo maligna was both effective and safe in early lentigo maligna when administered as recommended. The high success rate, combined with good cosmetic results, make it an important and accepted treatment option for this form of skin cancer.
Further research could focus on tailoring therapy to individual patient characteristics and evaluating any long-term side effects. Overall, this study provides a solid foundation for integrating soft X-ray therapy as a standard treatment method for melanoma lentigo maligna.
