I have not posted for many years as I have not had much to say. However, I recently met another person who has Dupuytren's and was asking about radiotherapy. After the discussion we had, I thought it may be of interest to let people know where it is up to at just over 10 years post-radiotherapy.

I had radiotherapy on both hands about 12 months apart. I had nodules on both palms, a lot of tingling, some loss of sensation in some fingers, a feeling of tightening but no contractions. Within a few weeks after radiation on both hands, almost all of those signs had gone except the nodules that remained the same as they have to this day. After radiation I moisturised my palms extensively but a small patch of dry skin also remains on one palm. There were no other side effects.

So 10 years on there has been no major recurrence. Occasionally, maybe a few times a year I notice some tingling/itchiness on one or other hand which brings back memories of my hands pre-disease. However this only lasts for a day or so. I do have some loss of sensation in some fingertips. I have no idea whether this is related to Dupuytren's or treatment, but I suspect more likely to the manifestation of another hand disease that has steadily progressed over the last few years; Raynaud's disease. Despite the lack of readily available literature on the connection, they do seem to go hand in hand so to speak. My sister has both and has no contractions and has never had any treatment. The other probably unrelated complications are arthritis and peripheral neuropathy. Despite all this, at 72yo, I remain quite healthy and active.

So, 10 years on, radiation appeared to stop the progression of Dupuytren's in it's tracks and prevent recurrence and based on my experience is highly recommended.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. It’s terribly comforting to those of us going through RT - and struggling with the discomforts and anxiety associated with the disease - to read hopeful stories. Beacons of light in the dark tunnel. Wishing you forever positive results!