With one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world found here in Australia(1), OncoBeta, a commercial stage medical device company specialising in innovative epidermal radioisotope therapies, is focused on providing greater access to its Rhenium-SCT® (Skin Cancer Therapy) for Australian patients with non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC).
Current standard treatments for NMSC include surgery, which may risk scarring or loss of function, as well as radiotherapy and cryotherapy.(2) The TGA-approved Rhenium-SCT provides Australian patients and treating physicians with a non-invasive treatment option that is especially suited to difficult locations.(3,4†) The advanced radionuclide technology utilises the Beta-emitting radioisotope rhenium-188 and offers a painless(4,5§), single-session(4-6‡) treatment with excellent cosmetic results(4,7ß).
Rhenium-SCT is already widely and very successfully used in other countries internationally. We are working hard to replicate that access for patients here in Australia. Kristy Frappell, OncoBeta CEO.
OncoBeta’s CEO Kristy Frappell says, “Rhenium-SCT is already widely and very successfully used in other countries internationally. We are working hard to replicate that access for patients here in Australia. At least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime,(8) so it’s important we provide them with the very latest in treatment options which best fit their individual NMSC diagnosis and addresses the patient’s request for precise and effective therapies requiring as little down time as possible.”
A recent OmniPoll* survey commissioned by OncoBeta found that for Australians diagnosed with NMSCs, the successful removal of the lesion ranks as the highest treatment outcome requirement, with 97% saying this was extremely or very important. This was followed by ‘fast recovery’ (90%) and ‘quick and easy procedure’ (88%). More than three quarters of NMSC patients said a ‘painless’ procedure was extremely or very important (77%), followed by ‘good aesthetic results’ (76%) and ‘non-invasive’ (73%). These finding suggest that the increased availability of Rhenium-SCT has the potential to close an existing gap for patients who are seeking a painless, single-session, non-invasive treatment option.(9)
Since 2021 OncoBeta has partnered with ANSTO in Lucas Heights, NSW, as the Australian manufacturing site of the Rhenium-SCT product. As the leader in nuclear science in Australia, ANSTO has extensive experience in the advanced manufacturing of nuclear medicines and provides its delivery within 24 hours of production for the patient-personalised Rhenium-SCT treatment.
“ANSTO and OncoBeta share the vision of improving the health of Australians. ANSTO was responsible for the manufacture and supply of the rhenium-188 paste as part of the EPIC-Skin study (Efficacy of Personalised Irradiation with Rhenium-SCT – for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer) that researched the efficacy, safety, quality of life, treatment comfort and cosmetic outcomes of Rhenium-SCT. ANSTO continues to play a vital role in its provision to treating clinics nationally,” says Ms Frappell.
OncoBeta’s Australian team has been busy engaging with dermatologists, radio-oncologists, and skin-specialist GPs via traditional and innovative platforms. By providing print and digital materials as well as virtual and in-person evidence-based educational content, OncoBeta continues to educate professionals about Rhenium-SCT as a treatment option. To improve on their efforts OncoBeta recently partnered with Farmaforce to assist with outreach to the medical community, with a focus on Australian GPs and skin health professionals.
Dr Sam Vohra, Medical Director at OncoBeta Australia, says, “With a innovative therapy such as Rhenium-SCT, we understand we are responsible for educating the medical community. Australian GPs are a critical step in the detection of skin cancer as well as patient education on the various treatments available. We have partnered with Farmaforce to visit and inform GPs about the TGA-approved Rhenium-SCT because we recognise the important role they play as the frontline of skin cancer identification and management.”
To further improve the availability of Rhenium-SCT and expand skin cancer patients’ access to this novel treatment method, OncoBeta has initiated partnerships with oncology healthcare providers across Australia.
These partnerships provide Australians greater access to new proven technology, advanced techniques and treatment protocols for the personalised treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer. Nick Vetter, OncoBeta GmbH International CEO and Managing Director.
OncoBeta GmbH International CEO and Managing Director, Nick Vetter, believes that such partnerships are a huge step forward for OncoBeta. “These partnerships will enable us to achieve broader coverage through their network of treatment centres nationally, and provide Australians greater access to new proven technology, advanced techniques and treatment protocols for the personalised treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer” says Mr Vetter.
OncoBeta’s Australian team also launched The Spot Detective public health initiative and awareness campaign in Spring 2022, which peaked in Summer and will remain active year-round. The initiative was designed to rally Australians in the fight against skin cancer by encouraging them to visit a Spot Detective – their GP, dermatologist, or skin health specialist – to have their spots assessed and to learn about the various treatments available for those diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer. The initiative was supported by an advertising and social media campaign and bought to life with free skin check pop-up clinics hosted across five locations in Melbourne, and more recently, at the Mornington Running Festival.
“The Spot Detective remains a critical initiative to support the early detection of skin cancer. The OmniPoll research found that 54% of Australians have not had their skin checked by a health professional in the last two years, despite medical guidelines advising yearly checks. Early detection is key for treating skin cancer, yet the takeaway from this research is that most Australians need to take action and schedule an annual skin check with a GP or skin health professional. Education remains key in our efforts in helping Australians stay on top of the changes in their skin and develop greater awareness of all treatment options now available for patients with NMSCs, in both the wider community and the medical community,” adds Ms Frappell.
For more information about OncoBeta and Rhenium-SCT, visit www.oncobeta.com
Find out more about The Spot Detective public health initiative: www.spotdetective.com.au
Notes:
§No reported pain.(4)
†A treatment is considered non-invasive when no cut or break in the skin is created.(3)
‡Complete tumour regression in 98.5% of lesions treated.(4)
ßGraphic results observed after 12-33 months.(4)
*Research was conducted in November 2022 and surveyed a sample of 1,235 people aged 18 and above. OmniPoll post-weighted the results to the Australian Bureau of Statistics census data reflecting Australian’s overall population and providing statistically reliable insights.(9)
References:
- Cancer Council NSW. Access online here. (accessed July 2023).
- Health Direct. Access online here. (accessed July 2023).
- Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. ARTG Public summary 400142.
- Castellucci P, et al. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2021;48(5):1511–1521.
- Cipriani C, et al. J Dermatol Treat. 2020; DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1793890.
- Cipriani C, et al. In Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine. 2014. RP Baum (Ed), New York: Springer.
- Cipriani C, et al. Int J Nucl Med. 2017; 114–112.
- Cancer Council Australia. Access online here. (accessed July 2023)
- OmniPoll Survey November 2022.
Source: Sponsored by OncoBeta. For more information, view OncoBeta’s Company Showcase page here.
