Scripps does RT for Dupuytren’s more and more, but non-cancerous radiation therapy is primarily for Coronary Artery Radiation Therapy (CART).

“Coronary Artery Radiation Therapy (CART)
Radiation treatments are helpful in treating patients with coronary in-stent restenosis, which can occur when a patient has had repeat angioplasty and stenting to his or her heart. Sometimes, the tissues that were disturbed by the placement of the stent begin to re-grow, and eventually can push into the stent and narrow its passageway. Scripps Clinic physicians helped pioneer the use of Coronary Artery Radiation Therapy.”
http://www.scripps.org/locations/scripps...cology/services

Dr. T does only non-cancerous radiation treatment. He has done several thousand CART procedures.

Scripps does a lot of research and they are leaders in many areas of medicine including Dupuytren’s. Dr. Eaton and Dupuytren Foundation is collaborating with Scripps on recent DNA research. See Forum entry by Dr. Eaton dated 3/15/09 17:19. http://www.dupuytren-online.info/Forum_E...75&page=1#0

Dr. Eaton's post about the DNA study with Scripps is worth quoting here:

“Dupuytren Foundation DNA study is now underway.
The Dupuytren Foundation has completed arrangements with Scripps Research to establish a DNA bank. Tiny samples of palm nodule tissue retrieved through a small incision with local anesthetic will be stored and housed by Scripps Research. Samples are obtained during needle aponeurotomy or other procedures. Scripps will make these samples available to interested researchers. __This opens up very exciting possibilities in the search for a cure.__First, it should be possible to bank hundreds of samples for analysis, greatly increasing the chances of identifying the responsible gene(s) with a real degree of certainty. Previous Dupuytren DNA studies have had access to only a handful of samples.__Second, Scripps has the technology to reproduce DNA samples. This will allow a large number of samples to be made available to any number of researchers around the world.__Third, once the relevant genes are identified, gene activation analysis can focus further research to look at specific medications which will act directly on those specific gene products. __The problem with finding a cure for Dupuytren's is that the basic biology is very similar to the normal biology of wound healing, and so most medications which would be potent enough to work are fairly toxic. We need a very specific intervention to affect the Dupuytren's in a safe way, and genetic analysis is the straightest course to do this, avoiding the need for trial and error.__This project is sponsored by the Dupuytren Foundation.__Charles Eaton MD”

Having tissue samples readily available will help any future genetic research on Dupuytren's Contracture. I think genetic research is the greatest chance for breakthroughs.

Flora

I didn't ask for a copy of the CT scan, but I'm sure it would be available. It went straight into the computer. I'll be interested in hearing about your planning/mapping appointment.

I scheduled to start my two weeks of RT on 7/6/09.

Flora

Hi all. I had my apt. with Dr. T the same day Flora did. He has been the only doctor to also look at my feet which I appreciated.

I felt he was extremely intelligent and experienced with radiation, the only issue that I have is that he doesn't appear to be doing any type of formal medical study, the way Prof. Seegenschmiedt does. Also, his 2Gys of radiation per day for 2 weeks in a row (M-F, M-F) is less than Krupp hospital in Essen Germany which does 3 Gys per day M-F, waits 3 months and then does another week of same. (they also do MWFMWFM of 3 Gy per day as an alternative).

I'm all for less radiation but I guess I wish that there were statistics or some type of research to indicate that this 2Gy is better than 3Gy and that any hand issues - dryness and redness - were less/more? with his protocol.

He also did not do a CAT scan on my hand but did mark it where the radiation would go. Since this was my first apt. I don't know whether they will do a CAT scan once I make the appointment for the radiation. He felt both of my hands (and feet) and only found the 1 nodule and cord.

When I expressed concern about missing 2 weeks of work, he said that he could do 5 days of 3Gy and then for me to come back in 1 month for a checkup.

He gave me confidence that radiation is the way to go - he specializes in non-malignant radiation therapy - but I do feel a tad like a guinea pig.

Diana

Hi Newman. That is very interesting that you only had the 5 days of radiation. How long was it between the radiation and the follow-up appointment with Prof. Seegenschmiedt?

Thanks, Diana

I just met with Dr. Chang from the Radiation/Oncology Dept. at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation offices. He is in-network with my medical group and much closer to me than San Diego where Dr. T is. I had Fedex'd his office a stack of paperwork including printed out studies on radiation therapy a few days before my apt. per his nurse's request. Dr T. also sent him the notes from our appointment.

Their department has not done radiation for Dupuytren's and we had a long apt. discussing pros and cons. At first he was inclined to have me get a steriod shot and follow that for awhile (much to my dismay) but after consulting with one of the hand surgeons he thought that was not the way to go. He is going to put in for radiation therapy to the managed care (guard dog!) of my medical group. Dr. Chang's office has lots of experience with radiation for keloid scar tisue which is good I think.

I also asked him if we went through with this treatment if he would be ok if we put his name etc. on the Dupuytren's website as another Dr. that offers this sort of therapy and he seemed interested.

Diana