The main drawback of IG-SRT is the time commitment and number of visits required. Instead of one procedure on one day (as with Mohs), IG-SRT typically requires coming in several times a week for a number of weeks. Patients must be willing and able to attend all those sessions – missing treatments or not completing the course could reduce effectiveness. Some people find the multi-session schedule inconvenient, especially if they live far from the clinic or have transportation issues. Another consideration is that IG-SRT does not provide an immediate pathology result like Mohs does. With Mohs, you know the margins are clear that same day because the tissue is examined on the spot; with IG-SRT, we rely on the treatment’s effectiveness and follow-up monitoring rather than having a tissue sample of the margin. That said, the high cure rate data essentially serves as “proof” that margins are taken care of by the treatment. Lastly, IG-SRT is not suitable for every single case (for example, a very large or aggressive tumor might still be better handled surgically – see below). But for appropriate cases, the downsides of IG-SRT are relatively minor: mainly the need for multiple sessions and patience to see the final result over weeks, versus the immediacy of surgery. There’s also the aspect that you have to keep the area protected during treatment (from sun, irritation, etc.), but that’s a modest requirement. Overall, most patients consider these trade-offs quite manageable given the non-invasive benefits.
Category:
IG-SRT
