Radiation therapy for Dupuytren’s disease

Dupuytren’s disease is a condition that causes excessive scar tissue within the fibrous fascia beneath the skin of 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 seems to be more common in men than women and more prevalent in older age groups (i.e. 60+).^1,2 Risk factors associated with Dupuytren’s disease include:^1,2

• age
• hand trauma from manual labour or working with tools
• excessive alcohol consumption
• smoking
• high sugar levels
• diabetes
• family history

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

The condition is not usually painful, although periods of pain or discomfort can occur for some patients.² Perhaps the most challenging aspect of this condition is the impact on ability to perform general daily activities.²

Your doctor or specialist will discuss treatment options, and the decision to treat may depend on several factors including the degree of impact the disease is having on 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

Your specialist will discuss the best options for you which might include:^1,2

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

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

Whilst your doctor can explain the specific details around treatment, the aim of radiation therapy is to try and 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 case further.^1,2

Radiation therapy is usually delivered externally using a machine called a linear accelerator.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-affects and risks.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