What is Grenz-ray Therapy?
Grenz radiation therapy, also known as Grenz rays or Bucky rays, is a specialized form of radiation therapy that utilizes very low-energy x-rays to target and treat superficial skin conditions.
Grenz rays produced by our machines that generate x-rays with energies in the range of 10-20 kV. This extremely low energy allows the radiation to penetrate only the very top layers of the skin. This characteristic makes Grenz radiation an excellent option for treating conditions that are confined to the skin’s surface.
What Conditions Can Grenz-ray Therapy Treat?
Grenz radiation is primarily used to treat a variety of superficial skin disorders, including:
- DSAP (Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis): is a keratinisation disorder that causes discrete dry patches on sun exposed areas such as the arms and legs.
- Field Cancerisation: Chronic sun damaged skin, usually pre-cancerous. Grenz rays are used when a patient has tried topical creams or when topical creams are not an option.
- Psoriasis: Autoimmune disorder that leads to the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in thick, scaly patches.
In addition to these conditions, Grenz rays can also be used for certain types of superficial skin cancers, although its primary use remains in dermatological conditions that are non-cancerous.
Advantages and Limitiations of Grenz-ray Therapy
Advantages
One of the key advantages of Grenz radiation therapy is its ability to precisely target the superficial layers of the skin without affecting deeper tissues. This results in fewer side effects compared to other forms of radiation therapy that penetrate more deeply. Grenz radiation can be administered in a clinical setting, without pain or significant recovery time.
Limitations and Considerations
While Grenz radiation is effective for treating many superficial skin conditions, its low penetration depth limits its use to conditions that are confined to the uppermost layers of the skin. For deeper or more aggressive skin cancers, other forms of radiation therapy, such as Superficial X-ray Therapy (SXRT) may be required.
What Happens During Grenz-ray Treatment
On the first day of Grenz radiation treatment, you will be welcomed by a radiation therapist (RT). The process is designed to be smooth and reassuring for patients. Here’s what to expect:
First Treatment
- Greeting and Explanation: The RT will greet you and explain the entire procedure, ensuring you understand each step and feel at ease.
- Verification and Markup: The RT will reproduce the markup made during your initial consultation with your specialist, confirming details such as your name, the specific site to be treated, and the prescribed treatment script.
- Positioning the Equipment: The RT will position the x-ray machine and the treatment applicator so that it rests precisely against the area to be treated.
During the Treatment
- Shielding and Protection: If required, shielding will be placed over the treatment site or sensitive areas.
- Starting the Treatment: Once everything is in place, the RT will leave the room to begin the x-ray treatment. You will be in the room alone, but the RT will monitor you from outside.
- Painless Procedure: The treatment itself is painless, similar to any other x-ray you may have had. It takes only a few minutes to complete.
After the Treatment
- Completion and Cleanup: After the treatment, all shielding and applicators will be removed.
- Post-Treatment Activity: You can go home immediately after the treatment. You will not be radioactive or dangerous to others, and there are no restrictions on your activities.
- Repeated Sessions: This procedure will be repeated once per week for the three or four sessions prescribed by your specialist.
- Skin Care: If any skin care is needed, it will be provided by the RT, a clinical nurse, or your clinician.
Grenz-ray therapy is designed to be a straightforward and non-invasive process, ensuring you receive the care you need with minimal disruption to your daily life.