Our services
OncoBeta® Skin Cancer Therapy
South Coast Radiology is proud to be one of the few Nuclear Medicine providers in Australia offering OncoBeta® Skin Cancer Therapy — a groundbreaking, non-surgical treatment for certain non-melanoma skin cancers.
This therapy uses targeted beta radiation to treat lesions safely and effectively, without the need for stitches, anaesthetic, or hospital admission.
Performed by our experienced Nuclear Medicine and Interventional Radiology teams, OncoBeta® therapy offers patients an alternative to surgery with excellent cosmetic results and minimal downtime.
What is OncoBeta® Therapy?
OncoBeta® (Rhenium-SCT®) is a non-invasive therapy that uses the radioactive isotope Rhenium-188 to precisely deliver beta radiation to the affected area of the skin.
The radiation penetrates only the top layers of the skin, destroying cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue underneath. The treatment is painless, quick, and performed as an outpatient procedure within our Nuclear Medicine department.
This therapy is especially suitable for patients with:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in situ (Bowen’s Disease)
Why might I need OncoBeta® Therapy?
Your doctor or dermatologist may recommend OncoBeta® Therapy if:
- You have non-melanoma skin cancers in areas where surgery is difficult or could cause scarring (face, scalp, ears, nose, hands).
- You wish to avoid surgery, stitches, or general anaesthetic.
- You have multiple lesions or recurrent cancers that are not easily managed with conventional methods.
- You prefer a non-invasive treatment with excellent cosmetic results.
This therapy is particularly valuable for older patients or those with health conditions that make surgery less suitable.
Benefits of OncoBeta® Therapy
- Non-surgical, painless, and scar-free
- No general anaesthetic required
- Outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time
- Excellent cosmetic results — ideal for visible areas
- Effective treatment for suitable non-melanoma skin cancers
- Suitable for elderly or medically complex patients
About Your Test
Before your appointment
- You’ll need a referral from your dermatologist, GP, or skin cancer specialist.
- Our Nuclear Medicine team will review your referral and previous pathology or biopsy reports to ensure OncoBeta® is appropriate for your lesion type and location.
- No fasting or sedation is required.
- Please bring any relevant medical history, medications list, and recent imaging or test results.
- You can eat, drink, and take most medications as normal unless advised otherwise.
- Our staff will explain each step of the procedure and answer any questions you have before treatment begins.
On the day
- You’ll be positioned comfortably while the treatment area is gently cleaned and prepared.
- A thin layer of rhenium-188 compound is applied precisely to the lesion’s surface using a protective applicator.
- The radioactive paste remains on the skin for a short time — typically 20–60 minutes, depending on the size and depth of the lesion.
- You won’t feel pain during the procedure; most patients describe it as completely painless.
- After treatment, the compound is removed, and a sterile dressing is applied.
- The entire visit usually takes less than 90 minutes, and you can go home immediately afterward.
After your appointment
- You may notice mild redness or flaking around the treatment site for a few days, similar to light sunburn.
- Most patients can resume normal activities immediately.
- Avoid applying creams or ointments to the treated area unless advised by your doctor.
- Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing.
- The treated lesion typically heals over several weeks, leaving smooth, healthy skin and minimal or no visible scarring.
- Our Nuclear Medicine and dermatology partners will guide you through post-treatment care and long-term follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is currently approved for non-melanoma skin cancers such as BCC and SCC in situ. Your dermatologist will determine eligibility based on your biopsy results.
No. The treatment is completely painless, and no anaesthetic is required.
No. Once the treatment compound is removed, no residual radiation remains in your body or on your skin.
Most patients require only one treatment. However, complex or larger lesions may occasionally need a second session.
Coverage depends on your specific clinical situation. Our staff can provide guidance on Medicare and private billing options when you book.
Discover the non-surgical alternative
Book your non-invasive OncoBeta® therapy treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers at South Coast Radiology.