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Daily Mail article (UK)
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03/02/2011 10:37
richards 
03/02/2011 10:37
richards 
Daily Mail article (UK)

Hi,

First can I state that I am a radiation oncologist who is interested in treating Dupuytren's in the UK (Guildford and London).

I just thought I'd bring your attention to the Daily Mail article from last week:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/articl...ck-fingers.html
where it states: "Some patients with mild deformity had been helped by radiotherapy, which is usually used to treat cancer. However, this treatment for Dupuytren’s has now been withdrawn. Anyway, doctors are often naturally reluctant to expose patients to radiation."

I wrote to them and informed them about the recent NICE guidance on this and that the treatment has not been withdrawn. As a result of this, he has left the following comment at the bottom of this week's column:
"Last week in my comments on Dupuytren’s contracture I suggested radiotherapy has been withdrawn as a treatment. In fact, it is still available; however, under NICE guidelines patients must be warned of the uncertainty about its effectiveness and the theoretical risk of cancer. It remains a treatment I’d be reticent to recommend."

Given the forum's interest in the use of radiation therapy for early Dupuytren's and the increasing evidence supporting its use, I thought you may be interested in this.

With kind regards,

Richard Shaffer.

03/02/2011 12:43
spanishbuddha 

Administrator

03/02/2011 12:43
spanishbuddha 

Administrator

Re: Daily Mail article (UK)

Richard

Thanks for pointing this out.

My own experience with my GP is that he would not recommend a referral for Radiotherapy, despite the NICE guidance with its references, because it is 'an experimental' procedure.

My local hospital however has suggested I get a referral to the local oncology center in order to get the ball rolling in terms of funds, skills, procedure.

I like my GP but in the meantime have travelled to Germany to start treatment. It was a soft option rather than having to fight inbuilt prejudices. That's not meant to be harsh, just how I felt about it.

I was told the risk of cancer in layman's terms was no worse that driving, crossing the road, flying and so on. The main structure of the body is kept well away from the radiation source, especially the gonads. As an older person the risk seems entirely acceptable to me.

It would be great if you could report back occasionally on how things are progressing with your plans to offer treatment.

03/02/2011 18:58
Larry 
03/02/2011 18:58
Larry 
Re: Daily Mail article (UK)

Dear Richard,

what is your background in physical examination of this disease ? Do you cooperate with a hand surgeon ? Which treatment concept would you follow ? I know a few doctors in the UK who might be helpful ...

Edited 03/02/11 20:59

05/24/2011 10:00
richards 
05/24/2011 10:00
richards 
Re: Daily Mail article (UK)

Hi,

Thanks for your answers to my post. I thought I'd just let you know that I've started treating patients with radiotherapy for Dupuytren's in Guildford, and will also be starting treating patients in North London quite soon.

In answer to your questions, I'm a consultant oncologist and specialise in treating skin cancer as well as prostate cancer and brain tumors. I'm treating patients with orthovoltage (X-ray) treatment in Guildford, and will be using electrons in North London, according to the availability of the various radiation machines in each place. This is only a private patient service, as unfortunately I find it unlikely that the PCTs will pay for NHS treatment at this time.

I've developed the service so that I see the patient, examine, plan and give the first treatment on the same day. I'm using the German protocol of 15 Gray in 5 fractions over one week with an 8-week gap and a further 15 Gray in 5 fractions over one week, for a total dose of 30 Gray in 10 fractions. I'm in the process of forming links with local hand surgeons for needle aponeurotomy.

I hope that's helpful.

Regards,

Richard Shaffer

05/24/2011 16:16
spanishbuddha 

Administrator

05/24/2011 16:16
spanishbuddha 

Administrator

Re: Daily Mail article (UK)

Hi Richard

Thank you for this useful information. It's good to have another treatment provider in the UK, even if it is private for now, in addition to Dr Glees at Parkside.

Can we put your contact detail on the treatments page, if you provide them, or do you prefer contact via private message for now?

Thanks

05/24/2011 16:50
wach 

Administrator

05/24/2011 16:50
wach 

Administrator

Re: Daily Mail article (UK)

For contact information for Richard Shaffer you can also refer to http://www.dupuytren-online.info/radiotherapy_clinics.html.

spanishbuddha:
Hi Richard

Thank you for this useful information. It's good to have another treatment provider in the UK, even if it is private for now, in addition to Dr Glees at Parkside.

Can we put your contact detail on the treatments page, if you provide them, or do you prefer contact via private message for now?

Thanks


Edited 05/24/11 19:51

05/24/2011 23:54
flojo 
05/24/2011 23:54
flojo 
Re: Daily Mail article (UK)

Richard,

I'm not in the UK, but thank you for stepping out and taking the lead to help others. People like you are expanding the options for patients with Dupuytren's. Making the connection with NA will also be very helpful to your patients.

Two years ago, there were very few providers for RT and NA. The list continues to grow. Thanks for being one of them.

Flora

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