Response to total body irradiation in dermatomyositis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 28, 2026

Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) Testing
Published on: May 28, 2013
J J Kelly1, H Madoc-Jones, L S Adelman
1Department of Neurology, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111.
There were two patients with severe dermatomyositis refractory to immunosuppressive therapy treated with 150 rad of total body irradiation given over a period of 5 weeks. Both patients responded promptly with minimal side-effects and remain in partial remission 42 and 18 months after completion of the treatment. Total body irradiation is effective in some patients with dermatomyositis who are refractory to standard therapy.
There were two patients with severe dermatomyositis refractory to immunosuppressive therapy treated with 150 rad of total body irradiation given over a period of 5 weeks. Both patients responded promptly with minimal side-effects and remain in partial remission 42 and 18 months after completion of the treatment. Total body irradiation is effective in some patients with dermatomyositis who are refractory to standard therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions

