Total Skin Irradiation

Total Skin Irradiation (TSI) is an external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). It is also referred to as TSEI or TSEB. This treatment therapy uses electrons directed at the entire surface of the body. The radiation goes into the outer layers of the skin, but does not go deeper into tissues and organs below the skin. It is often used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. If detected early, it can result in the disappearance of any signs or symptoms of the disease. TSI has the benefit of reaching cancer cells within scar tissue or other areas of the body that chemotherapy cannot reach, such as the skin surface. The dose of radiation must be low enough that the body's healthy cells can recover from the treatment. Total skin irradiation can be used in the treatment of a wide variety of cancers, such as skin lymphomas. After an initial consultation, patients proceed to simulation, the process of creating a specific road map to treat the cancer. A custom device may be designed to help the patient remain still during treatment. Computed cosmography is performed to characterize the cancer's shape, size, and position, so the specialists can generate treatment parameters and a specific treatment plan.

The diagnostic and therapeutic services provided by UAB Radiology play an important role in the comprehensive care delivered at UAB, and Radiology works with every department within UAB Medicine. Our radiology and interventional radiology physicians are national leaders in their field and widely published in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. They are actively involved in testing and teaching for new techniques and equipment, and they partner with your other physicians to deliver care. UAB Radiology team members are committed to safety and use the American College of Radiology guidelines for dosage and safety procedures. UAB Interventional Radiology's new ambulatory clinic – located within The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital – provides patients with enhanced pre-procedure evaluations, follow-up services, and more comprehensive care for complex conditions.

As part of a leading academic medical center, UAB Radiology oversees or participates in clinical trials that may provide new opportunities for low-dose drugs, more effective tests, and other new techniques and treatments that are not available elsewhere in the area. The extensive experience and expertise of our radiologists and technologists help ensure that the most accurate and in-depth testing is used in evaluating and treating your condition. We use the latest interventional devices and most advanced imaging techniques, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, sonogram, and CT (computed tomography) scans. We perform an average of 7,600 CT scans and 3,600 sonograms each month, all while making your comfort and convenience our top priority. Our efficient, attentive staff and the availability of multiple imaging units will help your radiology visit go smoothly.

As a large teaching hospital, UAB Medicine is on the forefront of imaging equipment, and we frequently play a role in improving traditional and emerging imaging technologies, including some designed to reduce radiation exposure during tests. One example is the GE Healthcare CT 750 HD CT scanner, which is used at the UAB Radiology clinic to obtain high-definition images while reducing patients’ radiation exposure.

VIDEOS

Watch this interview with James Snider III, MD, to learn more about proton therapy at UAB Medicine.

CARE PROVIDERS

Markus Bredel, MD, PhD

Michael C. Dobelbower, MD, PhD

John B. Fiveash, MD

Rojymon Jacob, MD

Kimberly S. Keene, MD

Robert Kim, MD

Ruby F. Meredith, MD, PhD

Sharon A. Spencer, MD

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Total Skin Irradiation. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials