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

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.