The effectiveness of orbital radiotherapy has been used to treat moderate to severe opthalmopathy for many years and there are many studies that demonstrate its effectiveness. However, until recently there had not been a randomized or double-blind controlled study and some doctors in the Mayo group questioned the reliability of previous studies.
These researchers decided to conduct their own study using 42 subjects (36 women) as their own controls, irradiating a single orbit at a time. Six months later the second orbit was treated. Consistency was maintained through several clinical measurements, careful follow-up and avoidance of other treatments that might influence the outcome of the study.
Evaluations were conducted at 3 and 6 month intervals to assess response to the therapy. They found no significant differences between the treated and untreated eye.
These initial results may raise skepticism among those physicians who routinely use orbital radiotherapy and those patients who have had significant improvement following radiotherapy. As with any study, further research is recommended.
Bottom line...weigh the pros and cons. Ask questions until you are satisified that this is the best form of treatment for you. Remember that medicine is still an art and there is no one solution that fits everyone.
Reference:
Gorman C, Garrity J, Fatourechi V, et al. A prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled study of orbital radiotherapy for Graves' opthalmopathy. The Proceedings of the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association; September 29-October 2, 1999; Palm Beach, Florida, Abstract 272
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