UC San Diego Health Adopts New Skin Cancer Patch

The FDA-approved CivaDerm patch offers a radiation-based treatment for patients with non-melanoma skin cancer.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Cancer

A close-up of a sterile medical patch on skin in a bright clinical setting. — UC San Diego Health has adopted the FDA-approved CivaDerm patch, a radiation-based treatment designed to streamline care for non-melanoma skin cancer patients. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel new medical technologies make managing chronic health conditions easier for patients?

UC San Diego Health has begun using the CivaDerm patch to treat non-melanoma skin cancer, an FDA-approved device that uses radiation to target tumors. The patch aims to streamline care by allowing patients to receive treatment while maintaining their normal daily routines.

Why it matters

This innovation reduces the time patients must spend in medical departments and eliminates the need for recurring clinic visits for standard radiation therapy. By simplifying the process, the patch enhances accessibility for those managing common skin cancer diagnoses.

The CivaDerm patch is reported to be 95% effective at treating non-melanoma skin cancer, a condition diagnosed in approximately 5.4 million U.S. cases annually. The clinical protocol involves patients wearing the patch for five days.

The players

UC San Diego Health

This is a leading academic medical center in San Diego that provides comprehensive health services and conducts clinical research.

The details

The treatment works by using palladium-103 isotopes within the patch to emit therapeutic gamma rays directly to the cancer site. To ensure safety, medical staff apply protective shielding over the patch to protect those around the patient during the five-day treatment cycle.

Patients wear the treatment patch for five days.

The Big Picture

The adoption of the CivaDerm patch at UC San Diego Health follows the FDA's 510(k) medical device clearance process for localized radiation delivery systems. This treatment follows the regulatory path established by this clearance process, which validates the patch for clinical use.

Patients treated with the patch may experience localized redness, irritation, and peeling during the five-day wear period. By avoiding repeated clinic visits, this method provides a more convenient recovery experience for those eligible for this therapy.

The takeaway

Patients considering this treatment should discuss whether the patch is appropriate for their specific skin cancer diagnosis with their medical provider. The device offers a meaningful shift in care, particularly for individuals who prioritize convenience and avoiding multiple hospital trips.