Empowering patients with innovative, personalised therapy

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide.1 Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) includes conditions such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which are often highly treatable when detected early.

Discover more about non-melanoma skin cancer by exploring our Your Health content.

A treatment approach designed to support informed decision-making

A diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer can bring understandable concerns – not only about removing the cancer, but also about pain, healing time, and how your skin will look afterwards. Many traditional treatments involve cutting the skin, which may require stitches and can leave visible scarring. For cancers on highly visible areas such as the face, nose, ears or scalp, cosmetic outcomes are often an important part of the decision-making process.

Non-invasive treatments may offer an alternative approach. By targeting the tumour directly while preserving as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible, they can reduce the need for incisions and sutures. This may help minimise discomfort during and after treatment, shorten recovery time, and support a favourable cosmetic result.2

Every person and every skin cancer is different. Your doctor is the best person to explain the treatment options available to you – including the potential benefits and risks – so you can make a decision that aligns with both your medical needs and your personal preferences.

Choosing a therapy

There is no single best therapy option for treating NMSC. We recommend you discuss all your preferred treatment options with your doctor, and together you can make an informed decision.

When choosing a therapy, you and your doctor will likely consider the following factors:

  • Type of tumour
  • Location of lesion
  • Expansion area
  • Infiltration depth and/or thickness
  • Possible metastasis
  • General health, underlying disease and age
  • Available time and treatment adherence

Surgical Therapies

Surgical therapies are commonly used to remove NMSCs by cutting out the tumour along with a margin of surrounding tissue. The specific technique and extent of surgery depend on factors such as the type, size, location, and depth of the cancer.

Pharmacological Therapies

Pharmacological therapies can be topical creams or gels that are directly applied over the tumour, or systemic medication which is absorbed into the body and can affect the entire organism.

Non-Surgical Therapies

These therapies are usually derived of various types of radiation, including radiotherapy, brachytherapy and photodynamic therapy. They do not involve direct contact with the tumour tissue, e.g. Rhenium-SCT.

What is Rhenium-SCT?

Rhenium-SCT is a treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancer that uses the radioisotope rhenium 188 to deliver targeted radiation to the affected area.3 It is applied in a controlled clinical setting, designed to treat cancers located in the upper layers of the skin while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.2

This approach may be considered for patients where surgery is not appropriate, or where anatomical location presents challenges for conventional treatments.

Clinical studies have reported favourable cosmetic outcomes.2-6,† Your doctor will determine whether this treatment is suitable based on your individual condition. Rhenium-SCT is indicated for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Bowen’s disease.3

The treatment is used in routine clinical practice and is approved in multiple countries, including across the European Union and Australia.

Rhenium-SCT

What to expect during treatment and healing

Rhenium-SCT is a non-invasive4,* treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancer. It enables targeted treatment of superficial lesions while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.2

Step-by-step guide to treatment with Rhenium-SCT5

Mark

The physician marks the area needed to treat with a dermatological pen.

Cover

The area needed to treat is first covered with a special protective film.

Apply

The Rhenium-188 Paste is then applied on top of the special film, over the marked area of treatment with the OncoBeta Applicator. The film and paste are to stay in place until the end of the procedure.

Treatment duration

The process of applying the Rhenium-188 Paste to the area needed to treat typically only takes the physician 5 – 10 minutes. The patient sits or lays comfortably while the Rhenium-188 Paste works on the lesion, which typically takes 45 – 180 minutes, depending on size and depth of the treatment area. The protective film and the dry Rhenium-188 Paste are removed after the designated treatment time.

Follow-up

In general, there is no special aftercare needed. The dead tumour cells are gradually disposed of by the body and replaced with new healthy cells. A follow-up with the dermatologist is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

  • OncoBeta® GmbH is an international MedTech company focused on innovative skin-directed therapies for non-melanoma skin cancer.
  • The company develops and commercialises Rhenium-SCT®, a personalised radionuclide therapy utilising Rhenium-188 for the treatment of basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin.
  • Through clinical research, international collaborations, and real-world evidence programs, OncoBeta aims to advance patient-centred approaches in non-melanoma skin cancer care.
  • Our current mission is to continuously improve the quality of life of patients suffering from non-melanoma skin cancer, the world’s most common cancer.1
  • Our primary goal is to provide an effective, customised and non-invasive treatment approach tailored to individual tumour characteristics, including size, severity and location.
  • Rhenium-SCT is designed as a single-session procedure6,† with a short treatment time5,§ and aims to achieve favourable cosmetic outcomes.7,**
  • We do this by further developing our innovative therapeutic applications with the use of modern radioisotopes and state-of-the-art application equipment.
  • We are working to expand our therapeutic portfolio, with a focus on developing additional non-invasive therapies in dermatology and oncology for patients in need.
  • OncoBeta has achieved approval status of Rhenium-SCT for the treatment of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Therapy.
  • Rhenium SCT is MDR-approved in the EU (MDR 796214 R000), AEMPS approved Class IIb Medical Device in Spain (PD/2022/6247(D)), ARTG-registered in Australia (ARTG Number 400142), Medsafe approved in New Zealand (230302-WAND-70RGWT), and is a HAS registered medical device in Singapore (Product Number: MDPR251103W0003).
  • OncoBeta also offers the Tungsten-188 Rhenium-188 Generators – for the production of high-energy beta emitting rhenium-188.

Patients with non-melanoma skin cancer may benefit from targeted radiotherapy.

Consult your healthcare provider to see if OncoBeta’s solutions are right for you and find approved centres near you.

OncoBeta is a science-driven company and is actively engaged in research to expand and refine its innovative treatment solutions.

Rhenium is a chemical element. One of its isotopes, rhenium 188, is a beta emitter. It is used in Rhenium-SCT to treat non-melanoma skin cancer.3

  • The therapeutic effect of Rhenium-SCT is based on the cell-destroying effect of the emitted beta particles.
  • Particles deposit 92% of their energy to a depth of 3mm, so this preserves underlying tissue. At the cellular level, the radiation induces DNA damage in tumour cells, leading to the activation of programmed cell death pathways to 3mm. Past this depth, localised radiation triggers immune responses, which further contribute to tumour control.2,8
  • The half-life of rhenium 188 is only 17 hours, which means the energy from the beta particles is delivered rapidly.2

Since 2014, Rhenium-SCT has been CE-certified and is an approved therapy for the treatment of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, including Bowen’s disease. It is used for all BCCs and SCCs, especially in patients with comorbidities when surgical intervention is not possible or conventional therapies cannot be expected to provide a satisfactory cosmetic result due to the anatomical location.3,5

No, most treatments are outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return to normal activities quickly.

The process of applying the Rhenium-188 Paste to the area needed to treat typically only takes the physician 5 – 10 minutes. The paste needs time to work, which typically takes 45 – 180 minutes, depending on size and depth of the treatment area.5,‡

Find a Rhenium-SCT treatment centre

Have you been diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer? Rhenium-SCT is available in locations around the world. Find a treatment centre near you.

Find a location

Downloads and resources

Here you’ll find helpful resources about treatment with Rhenium-SCT, including informative videos about the procedure and what to expect. We also provide detailed PDF guides covering the treatment process, aftercare instructions, and frequently asked questions to help you better understand your treatment journey.

Spot Detective: Freckle, Mole or Skin Cancer?

Disease Awareness Initiative: Learn more about identifying skin cancer, and the available treatment options.

Download PDF

Patient Basic Information Leaflet

Discover how Rhenium-SCT® offers a non-invasive, personalised solution for non-melanoma skin cancer.

Download PDF

Patient Aftercare Brochure

Comprehensive aftercare guide for Rhenium-SCT®, covering healing stages, care tips, and dermatologist follow-ups for optimal recovery.

Download PDF

Tina Has A Lesion

Explainer video: Tina discovers a skin lesion and learns how OncoBeta’s Rhenium-SCT offers a non-invasive treatment solution.

Demonstration Video

A short demonstration of OncoBeta’s advanced technologies, showcasing their functionality and impact on precision patient care.

Quality Of Life

Bringing back quality of life: A quick introduction to NMSC and Rhenium-SCT.

* No direct skin contact or incisions.4

† Treatment was generally well tolerated. Adverse events were mostly mild to moderate. Twelve Grade 3/4 events occurred at earlier time points, with none persisting beyond 6 months. The most common 24-month adverse events were hypopigmentation (G1/2: 58%/5%), telangiectasia (G1: 15%), alopecia (G1/2: 10.4%/0.9%) and induration (G1/2: 9.6%/0.9%). No treatment-related adverse events led to study withdrawal.6

‡ Treatment time is generally 45 to 180 minutes; this may vary depending on lesion characteristics.5

§ No disfiguring scarring. Retained functionality in high-risk and difficult to treat areas.7

References:

  1. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization. Skin Cancer. https://www.iarc.who.int/cancer-type/skin-cancer/ (accessed April 2026).
  2. Cipriani C, et al. J Dermatol Treat. 2022;33(2):969–975. Epub 22 Jul 2020.
  3. Cardaci G, et al. Adv Radiat Oncol. 2025;10(7):101802.
  4. Castellucci P, et al. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2021;48(5):1511–1521.
  5. Rhenium-SCT® Instructions For Use, Quick Guide. https://www.oncobeta.com/fileadmin/user_upload/devices/02_IFU_REC_ENG_L.pdf (accessed March 2026).
  6. Baxi S, et al. 2026, Rhenium-SCT for non-melanoma skin cancer: Topline Results from EPIC-Skin, An International Phase IV Prospective Single Arm Multi-centre Study, Presentation at The American College Of Radiation Oncology Congress Orlando USA, 6th February 2026.
  7. Sedda AF, et al. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2008;33(6):745–749.
  8. Cipriani C, et al. In Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine. 2014. RP Baum (Ed), New York: Springer.