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

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · Arthritis Rheum.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/art.1780290103· OSTI ID:5730767

Hanly, J G; Hassan, J; Moriarty, M; Barry, C; Molony, J; Casey, E; Whelan, A; Feighery, C; Bresnihan, B

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.

• Research Organization: St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
• OSTI ID: 5730767
• Journal Information: Arthritis Rheum.; (United States), Vol. 1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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