I have not been treated in VA but I did speak with Dr. Weiss on the telephone a couple of months ago. She was trained in Germany. I think that they do two treatments per day - 5 days - but could be mis-remembering.

Diana

To ET160:

Radiotherapy is for early stage of Dupuytren's where nodules are growing. Collagenase won't help in that case because it aims to break cords that cause an extension deficit.

If you alreday have an extension deficit, it's too late for radiotherapy. If you have just a growing nodule it's too early for collagenase. All depends on the stage of your disease.

Wouldn't you know whether your nodules are progressing? Some doctors require to observe & measure growth themselves for 3-6 months. I don't see the advantage of a doctor confirming the growth. Wouldn't I know myself whether the nodule grew recently and shouldn't my judgment be trusted by the doctor? But that's just a side comment I have no idea whether that applies to you.

Wolfgang

Hi ET, Australia Calling.(In Germany) You do not mention your age- however I would seriously consider RT. In my case I had both hands and both feet treated 5X3 Gy in Essen Germany. I used to have to weaR ORTHODICS but this is in the past. I am really happy with the result. It is now just on 2 years since I had the protocol of treatment.

I had treatment at VCU Massey Cancer Center with Dr Weiss for Dupuuytren's in both hands. The protocol was 1 treatment for 7 days in a row ( not including the weekend and includes two cycles of treatment.

My entire experience with the center was exceptional. I am a healthcare provider myself, and was very impressed with their delivery of information to each pattient, as well as their sensitivity to each person's individual needs.

I traveled there from out of town and was provided with a room at the Hospitality House a few blocks from the hospital for a nominal donation. This also included transportation to and from my treatments as well as validated parking for my stay.

My treatment did not result in a noticable change in my condition, but I recommend it as a first option as it is non-invasive.

Hope this helps in anyone wanting to select RT as an option, and needs a provider.

For those who had the radiation treatment in VA-- you have said 7 days-- do you know how many gys (I think that's the correct term) per day? Is this the only treatment or will you go back in a couple months per the German protocol? Did you have a CAT scan or MRI befoe treatment to define the areas of growth? Thanks much for any info,

Diane