New Patch Offers Skin Cancer Treatment in San Diego
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancer can now use an FDA-approved patch to manage their condition at home over five days.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Cancer
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UC San Diego Health has begun using the FDA-approved CivaDerm patch to treat non-melanoma skin cancer. The technology allows patients to receive localized treatment over five days while maintaining their daily routines.
Why it matters
This patch minimizes the need for recurring clinic visits and reduces time spent in medical departments for patients undergoing skin cancer treatment. It offers a more convenient management option for a condition that affects approximately 5.4 million people annually in the United States.
Clinical data indicates the CivaDerm patch achieves 95% effectiveness in treating non-melanoma skin cancer. While this performance metric is significant, the specific long-term comparative outcomes against standard surgical excision remain under investigation.
The players
UC San Diego Health
An academic medical center in San Diego providing specialized care and advanced cancer treatments.
The details
The CivaDerm patch utilizes palladium-103 isotopes to deliver targeted radiation directly to cancerous skin cells through gamma ray emission. Patients wear the patch continuously for five days, during which medical staff apply specific shielding to ensure safety for others around the patient. While highly effective, common side effects can include localized skin redness, irritation, and peeling at the site of application.
Timeline
The treatment duration requires patients to wear the patch for five days.
Health Landscape
The CivaDerm patch marks a shift toward at-home, isotope-based radiation therapy for localized skin cancers. This development follows a trend of moving oncology care out of medical departments and into more flexible outpatient settings.
If you are managing non-melanoma skin cancer, it is worth discussing with your doctor whether this radiation patch is an appropriate alternative to surgical procedures. Keep an eye on the treatment area for expected side effects like redness or peeling during the five-day wear period.
The takeaway
The CivaDerm patch provides a new, 95% effective option for treating non-melanoma skin cancer with minimal disruption to your daily life. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, ask your dermatologist or oncologist about the potential benefits and limitations of localized isotope therapy.
Further reading
For more information on skin cancer management, see the Cancer resources.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV.
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