Radiation for Dupuytren – pro

Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) is a non-surgical treatment that can stop or slow down Dupuytren’s disease in its early stage. In radiation therapy, the nodules and cords associated with Dupuytren’s are irradiated from a distance of .5 – 1 cm either with X-Rays (e.g. 120 kV = soft X-Rays that do not penetrate deeply into the body) or with electrons (3 – 10 MeV). This is typically done over five days in a row applying an efficient dose (single dose 3 Gy, total dose 15 Gy). After a break of six weeks, this treatment is repeated. This treatment has not been compared to surgery or other nonopeartive interventions. Instead a trial of two different radiation concepts showed that both concepts were effective.

Habash A, Rinker B. Dupuytren’s disease involving the wrist. J Hand Surg [Am]. Mar 2007;32(3):352-4.

Seegenschmiedt MH, Olschewski T, Guntrum F.. Radiotherapy optimization in early-stage Dupuytren’s contracture: first results of a randomized clinical Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2001 Mar 1;49(3):785-98

Townley WA, Baker R, Sheppard N, et al; Dupuytren’s contracture unfolded. BMJ. 2006 Feb 18;332(7538):397-400.

Trojian TH, Chu SM; Dupuytren’s disease: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jul 1;76(1):86-9

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