Radiation therapy for Dupuytren’s disease

Dupuytren’s disease is a condition that causes excessive scar tissue within the fibrous fascia beneath the skin on the palm of the hand.¹ In the early stages this is seen as lumps or cord-like thickenings.¹ Over time contraction of the scar tissue can pull the fingers towards the palm, into a permanent bent position called a ‘contracture’, which can limit function of the hand.¹

Dupuytren's disease is an inherited genetic disorder, that is more common in men than women and more prevalent in older age groups.^1,2

The disease has early phases where nodules and cords start to become noticeable, followed by later phases where the disease can lead to deformity.² Not all people experience progressive diseases, and for a large majority the disease will stabilise or even regress.²

The condition is usually not painful, and although periods of discomfort can occur, this will usually settle within a few months.² Perhaps the most challenging aspects of this condition are its unpredictability and potential impact on the ability to perform general daily activities.²

You should discuss treatment options with your referring doctor or specialist. Treatment recomendations will depend on several factors including the degree of impact the disease is having on your quality of life.^1,2 Treatment may be offered for the correction of contractures (when the fingers are pulled into a bent position).^1,2

Treatment options may include:^1,2

• Needle aponeuroromy – where the contracted tissue is divided so the finger can be stretched out again
• Surgical fasciectomy
• Radiation therapy - this may be helpful in preventing the progression of early stage Dupuytren's disease, thereby reducing the need for invasive procedures

Assessment

An initial assessment and discussion is important to help understand the uncertainties and alternative treatment options.

At the assessment, your specialist will discuss whether radiotherapy might be helpful for your condition, as well any as side-effects you may experience.

Note: You will need a referral from a GP or specialist for an assessment.

Treatment

Radiation therapy may help to prevent the worsening of Dupuytren's contracture symptoms.^1,2

The aim of radiation therapy is to reduce overgrowth of the cells which are known to be overactive in Dupuytren’s disease.¹ This is to try and slow progression, as well as prevent further scar tissue.¹ Radiation therapy may not be suitable for everybody and your doctor can discuss your specific circumstances further.^1,2

Radiation therapy is usually delivered externally using a machine called a linear accelerator (LINAC).³ If your doctor decides this therapy is suitable for you, our team can offer more details around how the therapy works, how the radiation is delivered, how long it takes and any potential side-effects.³

Following the completion of treatment, please speak to your doctor directly regarding any concerns or side-effects that you may experience.

Radiation therapy has been used to help treat Dupuytren's contracture for many years. We are supporting the recruitment of patients with Dupuytren's contracture for a research study called 'DEPART'.

This study will assess patients with Dupuytren’s Disease in two settings:

• those who have early-stage disease (no flexion contractures),
• those who have late-stage disease requiring a straightening procedure to correct flexion contractures.

The trial is aimed at assessing how effective radiation therapy is at preventing the progression or recurrence of contractures. The trial is being run at select centres across the country:

• Hurstville, NSW
• Newcastle, NSW
• St Andrew’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA
• Kurralta Park, SA
• Frankston, VIC

For further information regarding this trial, please click here.

Or contact us at: GC-Depart@genesiscare.com