CivaTech Oncology launches first commercial CivaDerm skin cancer treatments

CivaTech Oncology said it completed the first commercial use of CivaDerm for non-melanoma skin cancer, with initial treatments performed in Florida and California. The radioactive bandage is designed to give patients a non-surgical outpatient option for common skin cancers and could broaden access beyond surgery.

Why it matters: - CivaDerm gives patients with non-melanoma skin cancer a non-surgical treatment option that can be delivered on the skin surface. - The first commercial cases mark a move from trial use to routine care for a device designed to treat common skin cancers without surgery. - The treatment may matter most for lesions in visible or hard-to-treat areas such as the face, hands, scalp, and shins.

What happened: - CivaTech Oncology announced the commercial launch of CivaDerm on October 1, 2026. - The first commercial treatments were performed by John David, MD, a radiation oncologist at Comprehensive Hematology Oncology in Trinity, Florida, and Parag Sanghvi, MD, a radiation oncologist at UC San Diego Health in La Jolla, California. - The first five non-melanoma skin cancer patients received treatment.

The details: - CivaDerm is a radioactive bandage attached to the surface of the body to treat non-melanoma skin cancers. - The device delivers localized radiation therapy directly to the skin surface in a four-day outpatient setting. - CivaDerm is intended to provide an alternative to surgery for lesions anywhere on the body. - CivaDerm contains Palladium-103. - The device has FDA and other regulatory clearances. - Patients are able to wear the bandage home and continue normal activities. - After a few days, patients return to have CivaDerm removed, and treatment is complete. - Redness may occur in two to three weeks and is expected to resolve on its own. - CivaTech says the treatment can provide a scar-free option.

Between the lines: - The launch suggests CivaTech is trying to position brachytherapy in a simpler, more outpatient-friendly form for skin cancer care. - Suzanne Babcock, CEO and founder of CivaTech Oncology, said the first non-trial treatments with squamous and basal cell skin cancer are an important milestone for a simpler approach that could potentially replace other types of surgery and fractionated radiation therapy. - John David said brachytherapy has continued to evolve into a treatment for skin cancer. - The first commercial use also signals a broader push to expand availability across the U.S.

What's next: - CivaTech Oncology said it looks forward to expanding commercial availability to patients across the U.S. - The company’s broader radiation therapy portfolio includes CivaString, CivaSheet, and CivaDerm, all FDA cleared for many cancer indications. - More information is available in the company’s announcement.