Abstract Dupuytren disease (DD) is a fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar fascia. The main cause of DD is unknown, and traditional treatment has favored surgical intervention, though recurrence rates remain high. Radiation therapy (RT) offers a potential, noninvasive treatment alternative for DD. In this systematic review, 20 studies evaluating the benefit of RT were reviewed, with specific attention to toxicity and functional outcomes. The most frequently prescribed dose is 30 Gy using a split-course technique. The majority of participating patients were in the early stages of the disease, with an average of 74.5% of patients experiencing symptom regression as the most common outcome following RT treatment across all studies. Toxicity after RT was often observed as erythema, dryness, or atrophy of skin. Data on long-term toxicity and efficacy remain limited. In summary, available data suggest that RT is well tolerated and efficacious in preventing contracture in DD, particularly in early stage disease with nodules and <10° of contracture. However, its wide clinical adoption is limited by the methodological weaknesses of available data, and additional prospective studies are needed.
Dorsey et al. (Fri,) studied this question.