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Radiotherapy with soft X-rays in Dupuytren's disease - successful, well-tolerated and satisfying
M Zirbs1, T Anzeneder, H Bruckbauer
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie am Biederstein, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), München, Munich, Germany.
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.
