I just finished RT treatment from MGH, and they did not use proton, just electron. A recent study on proton radiation for prostate cancer, showed no benefit over regular radiation. Maybe it's studies like that, which is causing MGH to no longer use it for DD. - Mark

Hi Steve,

I should not have written "a larger area" but "a larger volume". Sorry about that! Dupuytren's is not so sharply confined as cancer and RT usually covers the surrounding tissue as well. Therefore is the in-depth focussing not so important for Dupuytren's. Other users have in the mean time commented on the use of protons which most likely offers no benefit for Dupuytren's.

Wolfgang

CollogenBuster:

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Hello Wolfgang:

Re: "For Dupuytren's doctors usually use a lower dose and irradiate a larger area to minimize further growth. Therefore focusing is less of an issue and I can't see much benefit of using electrons or even protons."

Proton beams are advantageously focused for depth, not width. A wide area of my hand was treated, but the doctor tried not to hit tendon or bone, so as to avoid the typical collateral damage to the hand that occurs with X-rays. Skin cells are still collateral damage. Knowledge of the comparative merits of each method is still unfolding, as I understand it, and hard to come by. Experiments continue... Best,

Steve

Hi Dot,

my dupuytren's started at the age of 35. That was 30 years ago and I am still doing OK. Not fine but OK. Radiotherapy was an important means for me to get this disease under control. Don't spoil your life with worrying. You have a fait chance that RT will calm down your nodules.

Wishing you the very best

Wolfgang

dottyhand:

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Hi all

Perhaps you can send me some good luck vibes, I am starting my RT 28 Jan at Guildford. After reading the posts here I am not going to get my hopes up. I have contracture between 5-10 on my left hand. 3 large nodules in palm with a new one beggining. Knuckle pads too.
I really don't know how I am going to react if the treatmen does not work. I am doing this to avoid invasive surgery and skingrafting. A hefty cost, but will take my chances.

Extremely upset and feel very low about it all. At 44 yrs of age.. his has come to soon and too fast.

Dot

I had RT almost 4 years ago and it worked on my hand that had contracture starting but still in the nodules still developing stage. It worked to stop the progression. I still had NA done to release contracture before the RT and again 2 years later. Cords still lurk down in the tissue and you have to push back against. I'd be glad to share more if you want to ask here or Private Message here.

Don't give up! That's exactly what Dupuytren's Disease wants! Take on the challenge and beat it back!

I travelled to Germany from NZ to be treated by Prof S. For LD.......a fair old trek!!! On my initial consultation he also
diagnosed me with dups in both hands and located developing cords and nodules......my hands were thoroughly palpated and were covered in ink from his pen......however.......he declined to treat them with RT siting "not enough evidence of activity and progression".......

You will need to start taking photos and documenting the condition of your hands now.......there are many good examples on the forum that patients have written about......

I wish you the best of luck......unlike your father you are ahead of the game......so hopefully you should have a far better outcome if you hit the RT window at the right time...

Gazzza