Radiotherapy with soft X-rays in Dupuytren's disease - successful, well-tolerated and satisfying.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Up to present no curative treatment is known for Dupuytren's disease (DD). Surgery remains the most common treatment but lack of long-term efficacy and complications limit this therapeutic option.

OBJECTIVE:

In a retrospective analysis, the results of radiotherapy with soft X-rays in the treatment of DD were evaluated.

METHODS:

A total of 206 patients (297 affected hands) with DD were included. Radiation therapy was carried out with soft X-rays. A structured questionnaire considering patient and disease characteristics and effects of radiotherapy was evaluated after a median follow-up time of 40 months.

RESULTS:

Ninety-three (45%) of the 206 treated patients were reported on a regression of symptoms after radiation. No further disease progression (including patients with regression) was present in 165 patients (80%). Satisfaction with the therapy was expressed with an average score of 7.9 points (visual analogue scale, 0 = not satisfied, 10 = extremely satisfied). Subjective therapeutic effects for 426 nodules and/or cords showed a reduction of 92 nodules and/or cords.

CONCLUSION:

In 206 DD patients further disease progression was stopped in most patients. Radiotherapy proved to be well-tolerated, successful and satisfying for the patients.

• Authors: M Zirbs, T Anzeneder, H Bruckbauer, H Hofmann, K Brockow, J Ring, B Eberlein
• Journal: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 29 Issue 5 Pg. 904-11 (May 2015) ISSN: 1468-3083 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25201324 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2014 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Topics

• Dupuytren Contracture (genetics, radiotherapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Radiotherapy (adverse effects)
• Retrospective Studies
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome