The Phototherapy Education and Research Centre (PERC) is a treatment centre for diseases of the skin that improve with light and systemic therapies.
Psoriasis comprises 85 per cent of all of PERC’s cases; the remaining 15 per cent of patients are treated for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL).
Other photo-response diseases are also treated on a smaller scale.A referral from a dermatologist is required for treatment.
Patient education is a major focus.We offer specialized patient education about photoresponsive diseases and helping patients manage such conditions.
These include:
Psoriasis
Developed in 1976, our program was the first in Canada
to provide comprehensive psoriasis care in an ambulatory
setting. We offer an extensive range of treatments
including broadband UVB, narrowband UVB and PUVA
therapies. In addition, we prescribe oral and injectable
therapies, including the most recent biologics.
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL)
We are the only regional centre for CTCL in Canada,
following patients through treatment and remission.
The centre co-ordinates referral to other CTCL specialists
within our inter-hospital team (including nurses,
dermatologists, medical oncologists and radiation
oncologists). Together with the Cutaneous Lymphoma
Foundation, we host national CTCL patient forums.
Other Photo-Responsive Diseases
We treat a variety of other photo-responsive diseases
such as atopic dermatitis, pityriasis lichenoides
chronicus, lichen planus, granuloma annulare, morphea
and pruritus.
As the research arm of the dermatology program, we conduct and foster academic and industry-sponsored research, including:
Affiliated with the University of Toronto, we provide academic teaching for students including medical students, residents, fellows, nursing and pharmacists. As the provincial leader in psoriasis, phototherapy and CTCL, we are committed to the training of pharmaceutical representatives, physicians, nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists.
We customize one-to-one patient education. Educational materials include: