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Teleradiotherapy of joints in rheumatoid arthritis: lack of efficacy
  1. M Graninger1,
  2. L Handl-Zeller2,
  3. G Hohenberg2,
  4. A Staudenherz3,
  5. F Kainberger4,
  6. W Graninger1
  1. 1Department of Rheumatology, Vienna University Medical School, Vienna, Austria
  2. 2Department of Oncological Radiotherapy, Vienna University Medical School, Vienna, Austria
  3. 3Department of Nuclear Medicine, Vienna University Medical School, Vienna, Austria
  4. 4Department of Radiology, Vienna University Medical School, Vienna, Austria
  1. Correspondence to:
    Dr M Graninger
    Department of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine III, General Hospital of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; monika.graningerunivie.ac.at

Abstract

Background: Low dose radiotherapy is commonly used for painful rheumatic conditions in clinical practice. Teleradiotherapy may be a cheap, painless procedure which is applicable to many joints at a time.

Objective: To determine if the local application of x rays to inflamed joints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the signs and symptoms of inflammation.

Methods: In a randomised, controlled, double blind study, roentgen irradiation was administered in a total dose of 20 Gy during 2 weeks to single joints in six patients with RA who were receiving constant and stable pharmacological treatment with DMARDs and NSAIDs. Single inflamed joints on the contralateral side of the body were used as controls and received sham irradiation. Swelling and tenderness was assessed by blinded investigators before and until 3 months after the irradiation; general disease activity and pain scales were included in the assessment.

Results: No change in the scores for tenderness, swelling, pain, or disease activity was seen. The trial was stopped for ethical reasons.

Conclusion: Local roentgen treatment of RA at a substantial dose of 20 Gy was ineffective in this pilot trial.

  • DAS28, 28 joint count Disease Activity Score
  • DMARDs, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs
  • RA, rheumatoid arthritis
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • radiotherapy

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