Treatment of intractable rheumatoid arthritis with total lymphoid irradiation

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1981 · New Engl. J. Med.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM198110223051702· OSTI ID:5706750

Kotzin, B L; Strober, S; Engleman, E G; Calin, A; Hoppe, R T; Kansas, G S; Terrell, C P; Kaplan, H S

Eleven patients with intractable rheumatoid arthritis were treated with total lymphoid irradiation (total dose, 2000 rad) in an uncontrolled feasibility study, as an alternative to long-term therapy with cytotoxic drugs such as cyclophosphamide and azathioprine. During a follow-up period of five to 18 months after total lymphoid irradiation, there was a profound and sustained suppression of the absolute lymphocyte count and in vitro lymphocyte function, as well as an increase in the ratio of Leu-2 (suppressor/cytotoxic) to Leu-3 (helper) T cells in the blood. Persistent circulating suppressor cells of the mixed leukocyte response and of pokeweed mitogen-induced immunoglobulin secretion developed in most patients. In nine of the 11 patients, these changes in immune status were associated with relief of joint tenderness and swelling and with improvement in function scores. Maximum improvement occurred approximately six months after irradiation and continued for the remainder of the observation period. Few severe or chronic side effects were associated with the radiotherapy.

• Research Organization: Stanford Univ. School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
• OSTI ID: 5706750
• Journal Information: New Engl. J. Med.; (United States), Vol. 305:17; Conference: Annual Meeting, American Rheumatism Association, Atlanta, GA, 30 May 1980
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
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LYMPHOCYTES
IMMUNOSUPPRESSION
IRRADIATION
RADIOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS
RHEUMATIC DISEASES
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DISEASES
HEMIC DISEASES
INFORMATION
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
NUMERICAL DATA
RADIOLOGY
SKELETAL DISEASES
SOMATIC CELLS
THERAPY
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550603 - Medicine- External Radiation in Therapy- (1980-)