No surgery
No surgical incision, stitches, or reconstructive surgery. Temporary and longer-term skin changes can still occur.
GentleCure® / Image-Guided SRT
GentleCure® IG-SRT for Selected Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers
GentleCure® Image-Guided SRT is a non-surgical treatment available at our Bend office for selected basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. A dermatologist reviews your pathology, cancer location, health, and goals to determine whether it is an appropriate option; it is not used for melanoma.
A gentler alternative to surgery
Effective, gentle, and built around your well-being.
With GentleCure® Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT), you can experience a cure rate above 99% in published studies while avoiding a surgical incision. Individual outcomes vary, and visible skin changes can occur. It’s one option within Juniper’s full Skin Cancer Center, backed by our board-certified medical dermatology team. GentleCure® at Juniper Dermatology can address:
✓ Basal cell carcinoma
✓ Squamous cell carcinoma
✓ Selected recurrent or difficult-to-treat nonmelanoma skin cancers
✓ Keloid lesions
Why patients choose GentleCure®
Surgery-free skin cancer treatment at our Bend office.
99.3% published local control
A multi-institutional retrospective study of 1,632 patients reported 99.3% local control among the studied early-stage basal and squamous cell skin cancers.*
Insurance support
Medicare and many insurance plans may cover treatment when medical and plan criteria are met. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary.
Available in Bend
Treatment is currently delivered at Juniper's Bend office. Patients from Redmond and across Central Oregon can ask about evaluation and coordination.
Results you can see in real time
See the treatment area with image guidance.
Our imaging technology lets you see a detailed picture of your cancer during each treatment session — so we can target the treatment area and monitor changes during your course of care.
Ask if GentleCure® is right for youThe GentleCure® experience
What treatment looks like at Juniper.
A clear picture
Our advanced image-guided SRT system shows a detailed image of your cancer on screen during treatment — so we precisely target the tumor and monitor your progress.
Avoid a surgical incision
There is no cutting or suturing. Many patients can continue usual activities, although the treated skin may become irritated and require care.
Expected skin reactions
Redness, swelling, irritation, crusting, or tenderness can occur. Pigment change, skin thinning, or visible vessels are possible longer-term effects.
Convenient sessions
Each session takes about 15 minutes. You'll come in a few times a week over roughly 4–7 weeks to complete your personalized plan.
Excellent for keloids
Beyond skin cancer, GentleCure® is one of the few highly effective solutions available for stubborn keloid scars.
Real patient results
Before & after — real Juniper patients.
Actual, unretouched GentleCure® results. Individual results vary; candidacy is determined during your consultation.
Your treatment experience
Simple, supported, start to finish.
- 01Comprehensive evaluation — we review your pathology report and image your cancer in detail
- 02Build your personalized GentleCure® / IG-SRT plan together
- 03Quick 15-minute sessions, a few times a week over 4–7 weeks
- 04Ongoing imaging check-ins and support at every step
Your care team
Led by a dermatologist, delivered with a dedicated radiation therapist.
Dr. Karla Pivik
Board-certified dermatologist with over 12 years of experience specializing in skin cancer treatment, passionate about effective alternatives that minimize disruption to your daily life.
Hannah Shappell, RT(T)
Registered Radiation Therapist with over a decade treating cancer in Central Oregon. BS in Radiation Therapy (Summa Cum Laude, Texas State University); ARRT-certified and an active member of the ASRT.
Common questions
Skin cancer treatment FAQ.
How does GentleCure® work?
GentleCure® uses advanced imaging to precisely target cancerous cells with a controlled dose of low-energy X-ray, killing the cancer without harming surrounding healthy tissue. Sessions are about 15 minutes, a few times a week over 4–7 weeks.
What are the side effects?
Temporary redness, swelling, irritation, crusting, or tenderness can occur in the treated area. Longer-term changes such as pigment change, skin thinning, or visible vessels are possible. Your care team will review expected effects and wound care for your treatment site.
Is it covered by insurance?
Medicare and many insurance plans may cover treatment when medical and plan criteria are met, but benefits and out-of-pocket costs vary. Our team can help verify your plan before treatment.
How does it compare to Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery and Image-Guided SRT are different treatments. Mohs removes the tumor surgically and examines tissue margins during the procedure; it is often preferred for certain high-risk tumors. IG-SRT avoids a surgical incision and may be considered for selected basal or squamous cell cancers. A dermatologist should recommend the approach based on pathology, tumor features, location, health, and patient preference.
Can it treat any type of skin cancer?
It is highly effective for the two most common types — basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma — and can also treat keloids and some recurrent or difficult-to-treat skin cancers. It is not used for melanoma.
What if my skin cancer returns?
Any suspected recurrence needs a new dermatologist evaluation and may require biopsy. The next step depends on the cancer type, location, prior treatment, and pathology and may include surgery, Mohs surgery, radiation, or coordinated specialty care.
Clinical evidence & sources
The science behind GentleCure®.
GentleCure® / Image-Guided SRT is an FDA-cleared, evidence-based treatment. Explore the published research and official resources below.
- GentleCure® — official patient information The official GentleCure® site from SkinCure Oncology.
- What is Image-Guided SRT? How IG-SRT uses high-definition ultrasound and low-energy X-ray.
- Clinical study overview & cure rate Retrospective review of 1,632 patients / 2,917 lesions — 99.3% cure rate.
- Peer-reviewed publications The published science behind IG-SRT.
- Study: IG-SRT 99.3% cure rate (Applied Radiation Oncology) Independent coverage of the multi-institutional effectiveness data.
Treatment in Bend · Serving Central Oregon
Explore a surgery-free path — this week.
Find out whether GentleCure® is right for your skin cancer with a dermatologist-led consultation. Patients may begin their evaluation in Redmond; GentleCure® treatment is currently delivered at our Bend office.