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Phototherapy Education and Research Centre (PERC)

The Phototherapy Education and Research Centre (PERC) is a treatment centre for diseases of the skin that improve with light and systemic therapies.

Our team consists of nurses, dermatologists and an administrative co-ordinator. Our team fosters a friendly and caring environment.

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 are the only centre of its kind in Ontario offering both treatment and education. About 33,000 patients visit per year and benefit from our clinic's expertise.

Who we treat

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.

Research

As the research arm of the dermatology program, we conduct and foster academic and industry-sponsored research, including:

  • Genetics of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
  • Sezary syndrome and the effectiveness of photophoresis
  • Psoriasis and the effectiveness of Alefacept
  • Alternative treatments for psoriasis

Education

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:

  • scalp care
  • body folds and facial areas
  • nail care
  • hand and foot care
  • how to relieve itch without topical steroids
  • topical steroids
  • Dovonex
  • Dovobet
  • Liquor Carbonis Detergens (LCD)

Referral

Patients must be referred to the clinic by a dermatologist or oncologist. If you require a dermatologist, have your family physician make a referral to the Dermatology Centre. Jump to top page

Location and Contact Info

Women's College Hospital (main building)
76 Grenville Street
4th floor, west wing
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2

* please note new location on the 4th floor

Phone: 416-323-7505

Fax: 416-323-6254

Hours of Service
Monday-Thursday:7 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Closed daily for lunch from 12 noon - 1 p.m.
Closed Thursdays from 12 noon - 2 p.m.

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