Lymphoid irradiation in intractable rheumatoid arthritis. A double-blind, randomized study comparing 750-rad treatment with 2,000-rad treatment.

Abstract

Twenty patients with intractable rheumatoid arthritis were treated with 750-rad or 2,000-rad lymphoid irradiation in a randomized double-blind comparative study. Over a 12-month followup period, there was a significant improvement in 4 of 7 and 6 of 7 standard parameters of disease activity following treatment with 750 rads and 2,000 rads, respectively. Transient, short-term toxicity was less frequent with the lower dose. In both groups, there was a sustained peripheral blood lymphopenia, a selective depletion of T helper (Leu-3a+) lymphocytes, and reduced in vitro mitogen responses. These changes did not occur, however, in synovial fluid. These results suggest that 750-rad lymphoid irradiation is as effective as, but less toxic than, that with 2,000 rads in the management of patients with intractable rheumatoid arthritis.

• Authors: J G Hanly, J Hassan, M Moriarty, C Barry, J Molony, E Casey, A Whelan, C Feighery, B Bresnihan
• Journal: Arthritis and rheumatism (Arthritis Rheum) Vol. 29 Issue 1 Pg. 16-25 (Jan 1986) ISSN: 0004-3591 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3947414 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (immunology, radiotherapy)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Lymphoid Tissue (radiation effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Radiation Injuries
• Random Allocation
• Synovial Fluid (radiation effects)