Radiotherapy in early stage Dupuytren's contracture

Purpose: In early stage Dupuytren's contracture radiotherapy was applied to prevent disease progression. Long-term results and Late toxicity of this t reatment were evaluated in a retrospective analysis. Patients and Methods: Between 1982 and 1994, 99 patients (176 hands) receiv ed orthovoltage radiotherapy, which consisted of two courses with 5 x 3 Gy (total dose: 30 Gy, daily fractionated; 120 kV, 4 mm AL), separated by a 6 to 8-week pause. The Dupuytren's contracture was staged according to the cl assification of Tubiana et al. The long-term outcome was analyzed at last f ollow-up between July and November 1999. The median follow-up was 10 years (range 7-18 years). Late toxicity was assessed using the LENT-SOMA criteria . Results: In Stage N 84% and Stage N/I 67% of cases remained stable. 65% of the cases in Stage I and 83% in Stage II showed progressive nodules and cor ds. In case of progression we saw no complications after a second radiother apy or salvage operation. Conclusion: Radiotherapy effectively prevents disease progression for early stage Dupuytren's contracture (Stage N, N/I). Moreover, in case of disease progression despite radiotherapy salvage surgery is still feasible.