Re: Risk of Radiation Treatment and other questions
Thank you, newman. I am 63 y.o. and live in Sydney. They have been using RT for DD for two years now. The hand specialist who gave me a referral to the radiologist said that it was too early to have RT now, because the nodule and a few cords I had were at the very early stage. But I will have to decide myself when to have RT if DD progresses. I know that for me it will be very difficult thing to do without doctor's opinion.
Re: Risk of Radiation Treatment and other questions
I wonder where could I find a latest protocol for RT in Germany. The radiologist I have seen said that he was following German Prof.S protocol- two series of RT by five days each , but the gap was 5 or 6 weeks. I know that Prof.S now believes that 12 weeks gap in the RT is the best.
Re: Risk of Radiation Treatment and other questions
Hi Kate,
unfortunately there is no "German protocol" as such. Prof. S has been using 8-12 weeks for many years now but that's not based on any trials, just a reasonable apporach. Other clinics are using different fractions and breaks and claim success as well. Yet as Prof. Seegenschmiedt is a recognized world-wide expert in treating Dupuytren's with RT, his protocoal has become widely adopted. See also our overview page http://www.dupuytren-online.info/radiation_therapy.html.
Wolfgang
kate:I wonder where could I find a latest protocol for RT in Germany. The radiologist I have seen said that he was following German Prof.S protocol- two series of RT by five days each , but the gap was 5 or 6 weeks. I know that Prof.S now believes that 12 weeks gap in the RT is the best.
Re: Risk of Radiation Treatment and other questions
Thanks, Wolfgang. There is a Prof.S's reply regarding the gap in RT in the patient's report( link is on your web.site), where Prof.S said that he found a 12 weeks gap works better for patients ( 2012 y.).
Re: Risk of Radiation Treatment and other questions
Kate,
When I was in Germany for my first round of RT(feet) earlier this month, Prof S told me to schedule my second round anywhere between 12 - 16 weeks later.
Re: Risk of Radiation Treatment and other questions
Hi Kate , back in 2007, when I visited Prof. Seegenschmiedt ,he was allowing 6 to 8 weeks between treatment. It was difficult for me to return from Australia within this period and it was over 3 months between my trips. The Prof. concluded ,that there was nothing to loose as the benefit of the Radiotherapy continued for some months. Another benefit was that it allowed him on re-examination to consider if the area of treatment , needed to be increased, in the advent of any new nodules. In my case when I returned after 3 months he decided not to treat my right hand with the second round of 15 Gy as the nodules had gone. However on my right foot he discovered an area that was not present on the initial examination which meant a third trip back to have the extra protocol. At that examination the Prof. decided not to treat my right hand. Hope this helps.
Re: Risk of Radiation Treatment and other questions
newman, thank you so much. It is great to hear that the treatment has been so successful for you!. How is your DD now? Has the progression stopped after RT? How long have you had DD before you started RT for? ?