Phototherapy Education and Research Centre

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.

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.

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. For patients with moderate to severe psoriasis requiring systemic treatment. If necessary, patients receive a timely assessment by the Psoriatic Arthritis Service, led by a group of rheumatologists at Women’s College Hospital.

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, and pruritus

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)

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

  • Genetics of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
  • Psoriasis and its related treatments
  • CTCL and its related treatments
  • Atopic Dermatitis and its related treatments

PERC

Women’s College Hospital
76 Grenville Street
Floor 5
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2

Phone: 416-323-7505
Fax: 416-323-6254

Hours of Service

Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday7:00 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Tuesdays7:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Friday7:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Holiday Hours:
Friday December 23 – 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday December 28 – 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hours for light treatment

Please note that we are closed from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m for lunch.

Referrals

We accept referrals from all Physicians and Nurse Practitioners. Download and complete the referral form.

Fax referral: 416-323-6236 – Access Centre

Referrals will be triaged based on the information provided. To ensure proper triage, please include any supporting documents (Diagnostic, Laboratory tests, and Pathology reports).

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.