Electrochemotherapy: A Safe and Effective Alternative for Treating Skin Cancer
An outpatient treatment that is tailored to improve your quality of life, even when other options have not worked.
Electrochemotherapy: A Safe and Effective Alternative for Treating Skin Cancer
An outpatient treatment that is tailored to improve your quality of life, even when other options have not worked.
What conditions can be treated with electrochemotherapy?
Electrochemotherapy is a treatment option for patients with cancer of the skin or underlying tissues, including lesions located in specific areas of the body, such as the mouth or the anogenital region. In some cases, this treatment can also be used to treat benign tumors, such as keloids or hypertrophic scars.
It is considered a method with potential for treating lesions in various parts of the body and different types of tumors, although certain areas may offer greater clinical benefits depending on the case.
BY BODY PART
Head and Neck
The head and neck region contains structures that are highly sensitive and essential to human life. Electrochemotherapy offers particular advantages for treating this area, as it preserves healthy tissue, maintains the function of these structures, and results in a short recovery time.
Tumors in this location often require complex surgeries with lengthy recovery times. In cases where the patient is unable to undergo surgery or manage the recovery process adequately, electrochemotherapy is an excellent option.
Even though the lesions may be small, they can be difficult to treat, or may even require wide surgical margins. With electrochemotherapy, it is possible to treat tumors that have spread or that involve the upper part of the tear duct, with very good results.
This area is particularly sensitive because it significantly affects a person’s appearance. Electrochemotherapy preserves healthy tissue, allowing tumors in this area to be treated while preserving appearance as much as possible.
Ears present not only an aesthetic challenge when it comes to treatment, but also a functional one, as they play a role in hearing and even in everyday activities such as holding a pair of glasses. Preserving healthy tissue in this area is essential to maintaining both function and appearance.
Treating the mouth is always a major challenge, due to its complex anatomy and the number of structures that may be affected. In the case of electrochemotherapy, special electrodes are available to treat tumors that are very difficult to access in this area.
It is an extremely complex structure that contains very important and delicate structures. This area can be treated using imaging techniques to protect the deep structures it contains.
Limbs and trunk
The limbs and trunk play a central role in people’s mobility, functionality, and daily lives. Injuries in these areas can significantly impact independence, work, and quality of life, especially when they require prolonged treatment or complex recovery.
Electrochemotherapy offers particular advantages in these areas, as it allows for effective, localized treatment, preserving healthy tissue, facilitating a faster recovery, and promoting an early return to normal activities.
Injuries to the hands are complex because of the significant impact they have on people’s daily lives, their appearance, and their ability to work. Electrochemotherapy is a quick and effective option for a swift return to daily activities.
This area is of vital importance for mobility and quality of life. Extensive or deep injuries in this area require prolonged recovery times; however, electrochemotherapy can offer a rapid treatment alternative, allowing the patient to regain mobility as quickly as possible.
Anogenital Area
It is an extremely sensitive and important area for people's privacy and quality of life.
Many patients reject other treatments because of the functional consequences they may have in this area, which limits the acceptance of conventional treatment options.
The preservation of healthy tissue offered by electrochemotherapy is key to ensuring that the treatment is well-tolerated, while maintaining the patient's function and quality of life.
BY TYPE OF LESION
Basal Cell Carcinoma
It is the most common type of skin cancer. It originates in the basal cells of the epidermis and usually appears on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands, in the form of a pearly bump, a red patch, or a sore that won't heal.
It grows slowly and rarely spreads, but it can invade nearby tissues if left untreated. In the European Union, electrochemotherapy may be considered a first-line treatment option in certain cases, due to its high response rate and low incidence of adverse effects.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
It is the second most common type of skin cancer. It originates in squamous cells and is often linked to prolonged sun exposure. It most commonly appears on the face, hands, ears, or lips as red patches, nodules, sores, or scabs that do not heal.
Although it generally grows slowly and is treatable, it can invade deep tissues if not detected early. Electrochemotherapy is an excellent alternative when surgery or radiation therapy is difficult to perform or is not accepted due to functional or cosmetic consequences.
Melanoma
It is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. It originates in melanocytes, and although it is less common, it can spread rapidly if not detected early.
Electrochemotherapy becomes a viable option when other treatment options have been exhausted, and it is particularly effective in patients who are currently receiving or have previously received immunotherapy.
Keloids
These are scars that grow excessively beyond the original wound as a result of an overactive healing response. They can cause itching, pain, or cosmetic discomfort.
In certain cases, electrochemotherapy can be a highly effective treatment option, especially when the lesions are located in the ears.
Others
Since electrochemotherapy targets tissues with uncontrolled growth, its use in other types of lesions—both benign and malignant—can be evaluated by analyzing each case individually.
In what situations might this treatment be helpful for you?
Electrochemotherapy is a treatment option for patients with skin cancer, even if they are experiencing pain, bleeding, or discomfort. It is also useful for patients who have not responded adequately to other treatments. Our goal is to provide you with an alternative that combines effectiveness, safety, and well-being.
The lesion affects your daily life or causes discomfort.
He is not a candidate for surgery or more invasive treatment.
The lesion is in an area where function or appearance must be preserved.
He has already undergone other treatments without achieving the desired results.
The patient has multiple lesions or a large lesion.
Why should you consider this option as part of your treatment?
Electrochemotherapy allows the anticancer drug to act more effectively directly on the tumor. This technique increases the drug concentration within the tumor by more than 1,000 times, while sparing healthy tissue.
Why should you consider this option as part of your treatment?
Electrochemotherapy allows the anticancer drug to act more effectively directly on the tumor. This technique increases the drug concentration within the tumor by more than 1,000 times, while sparing healthy tissue.
The Step-by-Step Process
We want you to have a clear understanding of each stage of the treatment:
Our Results
These cases illustrate what we typically observe: gradual improvement and a smooth recovery, which enhances patients’ quality of life. Here are some examples of cases treated with electrochemotherapy:
Basal cell carcinoma behind the ear:
Optimal aesthetic and functional results after just one session.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the forehead (elderly patient):
Previously, the patient had experienced pain and bleeding; after one session, the condition resolved completely.
Our Results
These cases illustrate what we typically observe: gradual improvement and a smooth recovery, which enhances patients’ quality of life. Here are some examples of cases treated with electrochemotherapy:
Basal cell carcinoma behind the ear:
Optimal aesthetic and functional results after just one session.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the forehead (elderly patient):
Previously, the patient had experienced pain and bleeding; after one session, the condition resolved completely.
Where is the GEM treatment performed?
Medical Centers
Following the initial evaluation at GEM, the location where the procedure will be performed is determined.
In some cases, the patient or their doctor may choose the facility of their choice.
Some of the healthcare facilities where the treatment is provided are:
- Otamendi Clinic
- Belgrano Adventist Clinic
- Other facilities, depending on the requirements of each health insurance provider or private health plan.
Coverage through Private Health Insurance and Public Health Insurance
We support you throughout the entire treatment coverage process, including:
- Case Presentation
- Official medical certificate
- Application for Coverage
- Appeal if necessary
Take the first step with us
If you have an lesion that concerns you, a recent diagnosis, or have undergone previous treatment without success, we can provide a personalized evaluation of your case.
The initial consultation allows us to determine whether electrochemotherapy is the right option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions from Patients
You won’t feel any pain during the procedure, as anesthesia is used—similar to what is used for a colonoscopy.
Afterward, you may experience mild discomfort or a stinging sensation for a few days, which is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The most common side effects are redness, mild pain, moderate swelling, and small scabs in the treated area.
Serious side effects are rare; however, each case is reviewed in advance during the medical consultation.
We assess this during a medical consultation.
We consider the type of lesion, its size, location, previous treatments, and your overall health.
Based on that information, we determine whether electrochemotherapy is appropriate and safe for you.
Ideally:
- Biopsy or pathology report
- Imaging studies
- Photos of the lesion
- Information on previous treatments
If you don't have them, we can still guide you through the steps to follow.
Recovery is usually straightforward.
In most cases, the patient goes home the same day as the procedure and can resume their normal activities within a few days.
Aftercare includes keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding picking at scabs, and attending all scheduled medical follow-up appointments.
Each patient receives personalized instructions based on their specific situation.
The skin usually improves gradually over the following weeks.
In many sensitive areas (nose, eyelids, ears, lips), the aesthetic results are superior to those of other, more invasive treatments.
We work with the country's leading private health insurance providers and public health insurance plans, and we assist with the authorization process.
The treatment is backed by scientific and regulatory evidence, which facilitates the submission of the case to the medical review board.
Yes, in many cases it is a safe alternative , especially for patients at high surgical risk.
The decision is always made on a case-by-case basis.
