Radiotherapy for calcaneodynia. Results of a single center prospective randomized dose optimization trial

The analgesic effect of low-dose radiotherapy in treating benign musculoskeletal painful disorders using different energies: A retrospective cohort study

Introduction:

This retrospective cohort study tries to determine if there is a correlation between the effectiveness of low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) in treating painful inflammatory or degenerative musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the applied radiotherapy energy.

Patients and Methods:

Between September 2019 and January 2020, a total of 91 patients with either painful inflammatory or degenerative MSDs were treated with LDRT. The inclusion criteria were patients older than 40 years with either painful inflammatory disorders such as epicondylitis humeri, plantar fasciitis or degenerative osteoarticular disorders of the wrist or ankle joints. All patients were treated with a single dose of 0·5 Gy and a total dose of 6·0 Gy (2 to 3 fractions weekly). Patients were divided into two groups. Orthovolt group was treated with 200 Kv, 15 mA and 1 mm copper filtration with different tubes according to the site to treatment using direct fields. The second group included patients treated with Linac machines with opposing fields using energies between 6 and 18 MV. The pain was evaluated before and on the last day of treatment and 4–6 months later using the Numerical Rating Scale.

Results:

91 patients compatible with the inclusion criteria were identified with a median of 60 years. The median duration of symptoms was 6 months. 46% of patients were males, and 54% were females. The Orthovolt group included 49% of the patients and the Megavoltage group 51%. Most of the patients (98%) were previously treated with other methods such as local corticosteroid injection, painkillers or physiotherapy. At the end of the treatment, 60% of the patient’s showed subjective pain relief and only 6% had a complete response. The follow-up conducted 4 to 6 months after the treatment showed that 65% of patients had a complete response and 8% had an improvement. The comparison between both studied groups shows that the used energy does not affect the response either at the end of the treatment or at the second control. The relationship between the aetiology and the early and late responses shows no difference in the early response but a better late response in patients suffering from inflammatory diseases with a p-value of 0·015. The response according to the treated location shows that patients with osteoarthritis of the ankle joint have a worse response in comparison to other examined joints and plantar fasciitis.

Conclusion:

LDRT is an effective analgesic treatment option for both inflammatory and degenerative MSDs. There is no difference in response according to the used energy, and most of the patients show late responses 4 to 6 months after the treatment.

Low-dose radiation therapy for hand osteoarthritis: shaking hands again?

BACKGROUND

Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is one of the most common causes of pain and functional disability in western countries and there is still no definitive cure. Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) has anti-inflammatory properties that have shown to be effective in the symptomatic relief of various degenerative musculoskeletal disorders. We designed a clinical protocol using LDRT for symptomatic HOA and present results and tolerance in the first 100 patients included.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 2015 and March 2021, 100 patients with a median age of 60 were treated. Fifty-seven patients suffering from proximal/distal interphalangeal joint pain, 40 patients with thumb arthritis, 2 patients with radiocarpal joint affection and 1 patient with metacarpophalangeal joint pain were enrolled. LDRT comprised of 6 fractions of 0.5-1 Gy on every other day up to a total dose of 3-6 Gy. Clinical response was evaluated according to the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain level and the von Pannewitz score (VPS) for joint functionality. Any patients not achieving subjective adequate pain relief after 8 weeks of treatment were offered a second identical LDRT course.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 10.5 months (range 7.55-12.45), 94% reported an improvement in the pain, with a significant reduction in the VAS level after 3, 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001). Sixty-three patients needed a second course of treatment at a median time interval of 12 weeks (range 9-14). The mean VAS score before treatment was 8 (range 3-10). After treatment, it was 5 (range 1-10). After 3, 6 and 12 months, the mean VAS scores were 4 (range 0-9), 3 (range 0-9) and 3.5 (range 0-9), respectively. Seventy patients reported functionality improvements after LDRT according to the von Pannewitz score. No acute or late complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

LDRT appears to be safe and useful for HOA and is associated with good rates of pain relief and functionality improvements. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these promising results.

Long-term effect and prognostic factors of a low-dose radiotherapy of painful plantar calcaneal spurs : A retrospective unicenter study

PURPOSE

To estimate the long-term effect of low-dose radiotherapy of painful plantar calcaneal spurs, and to verify possible prognostic factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective unicenter study, electronic patient files of patients with painful plantar calcaneal spurs treated with low-dose radiotherapy between July 2009 and February 2020 were reviewed. The low-dose radiotherapy consisted of a total dose of 3.0 Gy given with a fraction dose of 0.5 Gy three times a week. The pain reduction was estimated using a patient questionnaire with a visual analogue scale. Kaplan-Meier statistics and Cox regression analysis were used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Altogether, 864 heels of 666 patients were reviewed. The probability of an insufficient pain control 10 years after low-dose radiotherapy was 45.9% (95% confidence interval 39.4-52.4%) in the subset of patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 months (582 heels of 467 patients). Patients with an unsatisfactory pain reduction 3 months after low-dose radiotherapy were offered a re-irradiation. Forty percent of the patients who received a re-irradiation developed good pain reduction. Occurrence of an initial aggravation of pain during or within 3 months after low-dose radiotherapy (p = 0.005), and treatment of bilateral painful plantar calcaneal spurs (p = 0.008) were identified as significant unfavorable prognostic factors on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, the initial aggravation of pain remained as independent significant prognostic factor (p = 0.01). No clear radiation toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose radiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with painful plantar calcaneal spurs. An initial aggravation of pain during or within 3 months after radiotherapy was identified as unfavorable prognostic factor for the treatment outcome. Re-irradiation of patients with an unsatisfactory pain reduction after low-dose radiotherapy is effective and should be offered to patients.

Prospective Evaluation of Changes in Pain Levels, Quality of Life and Functionality After Low Dose Radiotherapy for Epicondylitis, Plantar Fasciitis, and Finger Osteoarthritis

Background: The objective benefits of low dose radiotherapy (LDRT) for non-malignant joint disorders are controversial. This study evaluated changes in pain, quality of life (QoL) and function after LDRT for epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, and finger osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: Patients over 40 years old with epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, and finger osteoarthritis were had pain following at least 6 months of conservative therapy. Patients received 0.5 Gy LDRT twice weekly for 4 weeks repeated once after 8 weeks in patients who failed to achieve complete pain relief. Patients assessed their pain according to the visual analog scale. Handgrip strength was measured with an isometric dynamometer and the fast self-paced walking test was used in patients with plantar fasciitis. QoL was evaluated according to the EQ-5D and HAQ-DI questionnaires. Results: Outcomes for 157 patients (204 sites) were documented at 2, 6, and 12 months after last LDRT. Pain reduction at rest (p < 0.001), during activity (p < 0.001) and increase in handgrip strength (extension p < 0.001, flexion p = 0.002) were highly significant for patients with lateral epicondylitis. Patients with medial epicondylitis reported pain relief at rest (p = 0.041) and during activity (p = 0.041) and significant increase in handgrip strength (p = 0.022). Patients with plantar fasciitis reported pain reduction at rest (p < 0.001), during activity (p < 0.001) and faster walking times (p < 0.001). A trend toward improved QoL was observed. Patients with finger osteoarthritis reported significant pain relief during activity (p < 0.001) and a gain in handgrip strength (p = 0.004), with a trend to both pain relief at rest (p = 0.056) and stronger pinch grip (p = 0.099). Conclusions: LDRT achieved significant pain relief at rest and during activity and a corresponding objective improvement in handgrip strength in patients with epicondylitis. Pain relief at rest, during activity and improvement in walking time were demonstrated in patients with plantar fasciitis. LDRT achieved pain relief during activity, and handgrip strength was improved in patients with finger osteoarthritis. No significant effect was seen on quality of life measures for these conditions. The observed benefits were maintained 12 months after LDRT for all 3 indications and we recommend this low cost, safe intervention for patients over 40 who have failed prior conservative therapy.

First Insights into the Effect of Low-Dose X-Ray Irradiation in Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

(1) Background: Emerging interest of physicians to use adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for regenerative therapies and the fact that low-dose irradiation (LD-IR ≤ 0.1 Gy) has been reported to enhance the proliferation of several human normal and bone-marrow stem cells, but not that of tumor cells, lead to the idea of improving stem cell therapies via low-dose radiation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate unwanted side effects, as well as proliferation-stimulating mechanisms of LD-IR on ADSCs. (2) Methods: To avoid donor specific effects, ADSCs isolated from mamma reductions of 10 donors were pooled and used for the radiobiological analysis. The clonogenic survival assay was used to classify the long-term effects of low-dose radiation in ADSCs. Afterwards, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, as well as the effect of irradiation on proliferation of ADSCs were investigated. (3) Results: LD (≤ 0.1 Gy) of ionizing radiation promoted the proliferation and survival of ADSCs. Within this dose range neither geno- nor cytotoxic effects were detectable. In contrast, greater doses within the dose range of >0.1–2.0 Gy induced residual double-strand breaks and reduced the long-term survival, as well as the proliferation rate of ADSCs. (4) Conclusions: Our data suggest that ADSCs are resistant to LD-IR. Furthermore, LD-IR could be a possible mediator to improve approaches of stem cells in the field of regenerative medicine.

Comparative effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave, ultrasound, low-level laser therapy, noninvasive interactive neurostimulation, and pulsed radiofrequency treatment for treating plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of adult heel pain. The aim of this study is to comprehensively compare the effectiveness of various therapies for plantar fasciitis using network meta-analysis.

METHODS

Studies were comprehensively searched on Embase, MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) up to December 4, 2017. Randomized controlled trials that used extracorporeal shock wave therapy, ultrasound, ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment (UG-PRF), intracorporeal pneumatic shock therapy (IPST), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and noninvasive interactive neurostimulation (NIN) for the treatment of plantar fasciitis were included. The primary outcome is change in pain relief. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Quality assessment was performed using the GRADE system.

RESULTS

Nineteen trials with 1676 patients with plantar fasciitis plantar fasciitis were included. In the pair-wise meta-analysis, radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (RSW), LLLT, and IPST showed a significant pooled reduction in the visual analogue scale (VAS) compared with placebo at 0 to 6 weeks [mean difference (MD) = 6.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): (6.04, -7.16); MD = 2.34, 95% CI: (1.60, 3.08); MD = 2.24, 95% CI: (1.44, 3.04), respectively]. Compared with placebo, UG-PRF [MD = 2.31, 95% CI: (1.26, 3.36)] and high-intensity focused extracorporeal shock wave (H-FSW) [MD = 0.82, 95% CI: (0.20, 1.45)] showed superior pain-relieving effects at 2 to 4 months; UG-PRF [MD = 1.11, 95% CI: (0.07, 2.15)] and IPST [MD = 4.92, 95% CI: (4.11, 5.73)] showed superior effects at 6 to 12 months. In the network meta-analysis, only RSW induced significant pain reduction compared with placebo at 0 to 6 weeks [MD = 3.67, 95% CI: (0.31, 6.9)]. No significant differences were found for the 2 to 4-month and 6 to 12-month periods because of the wide 95% CIs.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend treating plantar fasciitis with RSW. The commonly used ultrasound and focused extracorporeal shock wave (FSW) therapies can be considered as alternative treatment candidates. IPST, NIN, and LLLT may potentially be better alternatives, although their superiority should be confirmed by additional comprehensive evidence.PROSPERO registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42015017353).

Modulation of Inflammatory Reactions by Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation: Cytokine Release of Murine Endothelial Cells Is Dependent on Culture Conditions

Background

In many European countries, patients with a variety of chronical inflammatory diseases are treated with low-dose radiotherapy (LD-RT). In contrast to high-dose irradiation given to tumor patients, little is known about radiobiological mechanisms underlying this clinical successful LD-RT application. The objective of this study was to gain a better insight into the modulation of inflammatory reactions after LD-RT on the basis of endothelial cells (EC) as major participants and regulators of inflammation.

Methods

Three murine EC lines were cultivated under 2D and 3D culture conditions and irradiated with doses from 0.01 Gy to 2 Gy. To simulate an inflammatory situation, cells were activated with TNF-α. After LD-RT, a screening of numerous inflammatory markers was determined by multiplex assay, followed by detailed analyses of four cytokines (KC, MCP-1, RANTES, and G-CSF). Additionally, the monocyte binding to EC was analyzed.

Results

Cytokine concentrations were dependent on culture condition, IR dose, time point after IR, and EC origin. IR caused nonlinear dose-dependent effects on secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines KC, MCP-1, and RANTES. The monocyte adhesion was significantly enhanced after IR as well as activation.

Conclusions

The study shows that LD-RT, also using very low radiation doses, has a clear immunomodulatory effect on EC as major participants and regulators of inflammation.

Radiotherapy for calcaneodynia, achillodynia, painful gonarthrosis, bursitis trochanterica, and painful shoulder syndrome - Early and late results of a prospective clinical quality assessment

Background

The aim of this prospective clinical quality assessment was to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy of low dose radiotherapy (RT) for calcaneodynia, achillodynia, painful gonarthrosis, painful bursitis trochanterica, and painful shoulder syndrome.

Methods

Between October 2011 and October 2013, patients with calcaneodynia, achillodynia, painful gonarthrosis, painful bursitis trochanterica, and painful shoulder syndrome were recruited for this prospective clinical quality assessment. Single doses of 0.5-1.0 Gy and a total dose of 6.0 Gy per series were used. Pain was measured before and directly after RT (early response) with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Additionally, pain relief was measured with the four-scale pain score according to “von Pannewitz” (VPS) immediately at the end of RT and during follow-up. Within this context we defined a good response as complete pain relief and markedly improved. The assessment of the long-term efficacy was carried out by a telephone survey.

Results

703 evaluable patients (461 female, 242 male) with a mean age of 63.2 years (28-96) were recruited for this prospective clinical quality assessment. In 254 patients RT was performed with the linear accelerator, 449 patients received orthovoltage radiotherapy. After a median follow-up of 33 months (3-60) 437 patients could be reached for evaluation of follow up results. The mean VAS value before treatment was 6.63 (1.9-10) and immediately on completion of RT 4.51 (0-10) (p < 0,001). Concerning the VPS immediately on completion of RT, a good response could be achieved in 264/703 patients (37.6%), and with the follow up in 255/437 patients (58.4%) (p < 0.001). Only in patients with gonarthrosis we could not observe a significantly improved long-term success in comparison to the results immediately after RT (30.2% versus 29.9%).

Conclusion

Low dose RT is a very effective treatment for the management of calcaneodynia, achillodynia, painful gonarthrosis, painful bursitis trochanterica, and painful shoulder syndrome. Due to the delayed onset of analgesic effects low dose RT results in a significantly improved long-term efficacy in comparison to the results immediately after RT particularly in patients with calcaneodynia, achillodynia, bursitis trochanterica, and shoulder syndrome.

The plantar calcaneal spur: a review of anatomy, histology, etiology and key associations

The plantar calcaneal spur (PCS) is a bony outgrowth from the calcaneal tuberosity and has been studied using various methods including cadavers, radiography, histology and surgery. However, there are currently a number of discrepancies in the literature regarding the anatomical relations, histological descriptions and clinical associations of PCS. Historically, authors have described the intrinsic muscles of the foot and/or the plantar fascia as attaching to the PCS. In this article we review the relationship between the PCS and surrounding soft tissues as well as examining the histology of the PCS. We identify a number of key associations with PCS, including age, weight, gender, arthritides, plantar fasciitis and foot position; these factors may function as risk factors in PCS formation. The etiology of these spurs is a contentious issue and it has been explained through a number of theories including the degenerative, inflammatory, traction, repetitive trauma, bone-formers and vertical compression theories. We review these and finish by looking clinically at the evidence that PCS causes heel pain.

Radiotherapy of painful heel spur with two fractionation regimens : Results of a randomized multicenter trial after 48 weeks' follow-up

BACKGROUND

In this randomized multicenter trial, we compared the effect of a lower single dose of 0.5 Gy vs. a standard single dose of 1 Gy concerning pain relief and quality of life, while maintaining a uniform total dose of 6 Gy. On the basis of laboratory observations, the lower single dose would be expected to be more effective.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 127 patients suffering from painful heel spur were randomized: Patients in the standard group were treated with single fractions of 6 × 1 Gy twice a week, while the experimental group was treated with single fractions of 12 × 0.5 Gy three times a week. Patients who did not show satisfactory pain relief after 12 weeks were offered re-irradiation with the standard dose. The study's primary endpoints were pain relief and quality of life. Therapy results were evaluated and compared based on follow-up examinations after 12 and 48 weeks.

RESULTS

The data of 117 patients could be evaluated. There was no significant difference between the groups concerning the results of a visual analogue scale (VAS), Calcaneodynia Score (CS), and the somatic scale of the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey(SF-12). Patients undergoing re-irradiation showed a significant benefit concerning pain relief. Their total outcome was comparable to patients showing a good response from the beginning. No relevant acute or chronic side effects were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Both patient groups showed good results concerning pain relief. A fractionation schedule of 12 × 0.5 Gy was not superior to the current standard dose of 6 × 1 Gy. Further trials are necessary to explore the best fractionation schedule.

Persistent Haglund's disease after conventional treatments: the innovative role of radiotherapy

Haglund’s disease, an inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa and a bone enlargement on the back of the heel, is a painful syndrome mainly caused by the exostotic prominence of the posterior calcaneus. Conventional treatment consists of rest, shoewear modification, medical therapy and, in selected cases, surgery. We report the case of a 59-year-old male with a history of severe atraumatic monolateral heel pain treated with foot orthotics, rest and surgery with partial regression of symptoms. Owing to the persistent heel pain and physical impairment after surgery, the patient underwent radiotherapy, which was successful in relieving his symptoms.

Radiotherapy for benign achillodynia. Long-term results of the Erlangen Dose Optimization Trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of two dose-fractionation schedules for radiotherapy of achillodynia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between February 2006 and February 2010, 112 evaluable patients were recruited for this prospective trial. All patients received orthovoltage radiotherapy. One course consisted of 6 fractions/3 weeks. In the case of insufficient remission of pain after 6 weeks, a second series was performed. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either single doses of 0.5 or 1.0 Gy. The endpoint was pain reduction. Pain was measured before, right after (early response), 6 weeks after (delayed response), and approximately 2 years after radiotherapy (long-term response) with a questionnaire-based visual analogue scale (VAS) and a comprehensive pain score (CPS).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 24 months (range, 11-56). The overall early, delayed, and long-term response rates for all patients were 84 %, 88 %, and 95 %, respectively. The mean VAS values before treatment for early, delayed, and long-term responses for the 0.5-Gy and 1.0-Gy groups were 55.7 ± 21.0 and 58.2 ± 23.5 (p = 0.53), 38.0 ± 23.2 and 30.4 ± 22.6 (p = 0.08), 35.5 ± 25.9 and 30.9 ± 25.4 (p = 0.52), and 11.2 ± 16.4 and 15.3 ± 18.9 (p = 0.16), respectively. The mean CPS values before treatment for early, delayed, and long-term responses were 8.2 ± 3.0 and 8.9 ± 3.3 (p = 0.24), 5.6 ± 3.1 and 5.4 ± 3.3 (p = 0.76), 4.4 ± 2.6 and 5.3 ± 3.8 (p = 0.58), and 2.2 ± 2.9 and 2.8 ± 3.3 (p = 0.51), respectively. No significant differences in long-term response quality between the two arms was found (p = 0.73).

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy is a very effective treatment for the management of benign achillodynia. For radiation protection, the dose for a radiotherapy series should not exceed 3.0 Gy.

Randomized multicenter follow-up trial on the effect of radiotherapy on painful heel spur (plantar fasciitis) comparing two fractionation schedules with uniform total dose: first results after three months' follow-up

Background

Our first trial on radiotherapy for painful heel spur published in 2012 comparing the analgesic effect of a standard dose (6 × 1.0Gy within three weeks) to that of a very low one (6 × 0.1Gy within three weeks) resulted in a highly significant superiority of the standard dose arm. In the meantime, experimental data have shown that lower single doses in the range of 0.5 – 0.7Gy might be even more effective than the current standard dose of 1.0 Gy. Therefore, we conducted a second trial comparing the analgesic effect of standard single doses of 1.0Gy to that of low single doses of 0.5Gy using uniform total doses of 6Gy.

Patients and methods

One hundred twenty-seven patients were randomized to receive radiation therapy either with a total dose of 6.0Gy applied in 6 fractions of 1.0Gy twice weekly (standard dose) or with the same total dose applied in 12 fractions of 0.5Gy three times weekly (experimental dose). In all patients lateral opposing 6MV photon beams were used. The results were measured using Visual analogue scale (VAS), Calcaneodynia score (CS) and SF-12 health survey. The first phase of this trial ended after a three months’ follow-up; it will be continued up to 48 weeks.

Results

Nine patients had to be excluded after randomization either due to the withdrawal of informed consent to radiotherapy by the patients or radiotherapy with an incorrect dosage. The groups were comparable concerning biographical and disease data. The mean calcaneodynia score (CS) was higher in the experimental group (p = 0.002). After three months’ follow-up, we saw a very favorable pain relief in both arms (decline of VAS score: standard arm 42 points, experimental arm 44 points (n.s.), but we did not notice any statistically significant difference between the arms neither concerning the pain parameters nor the quality of life parameters. No relevant acute side effects were recorded.

Conclusions

Favorable laboratory results could not be translated into an enhanced pain relief in our patients. This trial was terminated after the interim analysis (127 patients randomized). Further trials will be necessary to explore the best fractionation schedule.

This trial has been approved by the expert panel of the DEGRO as well as by the Ethics committee of the Saarland Physicians’ chamber.

Trial registration

Current trial registration at German Clinical Trials Register with the number DRKS00004458

Radiotherapy for non-malignant disorders: state of the art and update of the evidence-based practice guidelines

Every year in Germany about 50,000 patients are referred and treated by radiotherapy (RT) for "non-malignant disorders". This highly successful treatment is applied only for specific indications such as preservation or recovery of the quality of life by means of pain reduction or resolution and/or an improvement of formerly impaired physical body function owing to specific disease-related symptoms. Since 1995, German radiation oncologists have treated non-malignant disorders according to national consensus guidelines; these guidelines were updated and further developed over 3 years by implementation of a systematic consensus process to achieve national upgraded and accepted S2e clinical practice guidelines. Throughout this process, international standards of evaluation were implemented. This review summarizes most of the generally accepted indications for the application of RT for non-malignant diseases and presents the special treatment concepts. The following disease groups are addressed: painful degenerative skeletal disorders, hyperproliferative disorders and symptomatic functional disorders. These state of the art guidelines may serve as a platform for daily clinical work; they provide a new starting point for quality assessment, future clinical research, including the design of prospective clinical trials, and outcome research in the underrepresented and less appreciated field of RT for non-malignant disorders.

Low and moderate doses of ionizing radiation up to 2 Gy modulate transmigration and chemotaxis of activated macrophages, provoke an anti-inflammatory cytokine milieu, but do not impact upon viability and phagocytic function

Benign painful and inflammatory diseases have been treated for decades with low/moderate doses of ionizing radiation (LD-X-irradiation). Tissue macrophages regulate initiation and resolution of inflammation by the secretion of cytokines and by acting as professional phagocytes. Having these pivotal functions, we were interested in how activated macrophages are modulated by LD-X-irradiation, also with regard to radiation protection issues and carcinogenesis. We set up an ex-vivo model in which lipopolysaccharide pre-activated peritoneal macrophages (pMΦ) of radiosensitive BALB/c mice, mimicking activated macrophages under inflammatory conditions, were exposed to X-irradiation from 0·01 Gy up to 2 Gy. Afterwards, the viability of the pMΦ, their transmigration and chemotaxis, the phagocytic behaviour, the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and underlying signalling pathways were determined. Exposure of pMΦ up to a single dose of 2 Gy did not influence their viability and phagocytic function, an important fact regarding radiation protection. However, significantly reduced migration, but increased chemotaxis of pMΦ after exposure to 0·1 or 0·5 Gy, was detected. Both might relate to the resolution of inflammation. Cytokine analyses revealed that, in particular, the moderate dose of 0·5 Gy applied in low-dose radiotherapy for inflammatory diseases results in an anti-inflammatory cytokine microenvironment of pMΦ, as the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β was reduced and that of the anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β increased. Further, the reduced secretion of IL-1β correlated with reduced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65, starting at exposure of pMΦ to 0·5 Gy of X-irradiation. We conclude that inflammation is modulated by LD-X-irradiation via changing the inflammatory phenotype of macrophages.

DEGRO guidelines for the radiotherapy of non-malignant disorders. Part II: Painful degenerative skeletal disorders

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to summarize the updated DEGRO consensus S2e guideline recommendations for the treatment of benign painful degenerative skeletal disorders with low-dose radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This overview reports on the role of low-dose radiotherapy in the treatment of enthesiopathies (shoulder syndrome, trochanteric bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and elbow syndrome) and painful arthrosis (knee, hip, hand, and finger joints). The most relevant aspects of the DEGRO S2e Consensus Guideline Radiation Therapy of Benign Diseases 2014 regarding diagnostics, treatment decision, dose prescription as well as performance of radiotherapy and results are summarized.

RESULTS

For all indications mentioned above, retrospective and some prospective analyses have shown remarkable effects in terms of pain relief. Nevertheless, the Level of Evidence (LoE) and the Grade of Recommendation (GR) vary: LoE 1b-4 and GR A-C.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose radiotherapy for painful degenerative skeletal disorders is effective in the majority of the patients and therefore it may be a reasonable therapeutic alternative when simple and non-invasive methods have been used without persistent success. For all discussed entities, single fraction doses of 0.5-1.0 Gy and total doses of 3.0-6.0 Gy/series applied with 2-3 fractions per week are recommended.

Radiotherapy for benign calcaneodynia: long-term results of the Erlangen Dose Optimization (EDO) trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The goal of this work was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of two dose-fractionation schedules for radiotherapy of calcaneodynia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between February 2006 and February 2010, 457 evaluable patients were recruited for this prospective trial. All patients received orthovoltage radiotherapy. One course consisted of 6 fractions/3 weeks. In case of insufficient remission of pain after 6 weeks a second series was performed. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either single doses of 0.5 or 1.0 Gy. Endpoint was pain reduction. Pain was measured before, right after (early response), 6 weeks (delayed response), and approximately 2.5 years after radiotherapy (long-term response) with a questionnaire-based visual analogue scale (VAS) and a comprehensive pain score (CPS).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 32 months (range 9-57 months). The overall early, delayed, and long-term response rates for all patients were 87, 88, and 95%. The mean VAS values before treatment, for early, delayed, and long-term response for the 0.5 and 1.0 Gy groups were 65.5 ± 22.1 and 64.0 ± 20.5 (p = 0.19), 34.8 ± 24.7 and 39.0 ± 26.3 (p = 0.12), 25.1 ± 26.8 and 28.9 ± 26.8 (p = 0.16), and 16.3 ± 24.3 and 14.1 ± 19.7 (p = 0.68). The mean CPS values before treatment, for early, delayed, and log-term response were 10.1 ± 2.7 and 10.0 ± 3.0 (p = 0.78), 5.6 ± 3.7 and 6.0 ± 3.9 (p = 0.34), 4.0 ± 4.1 and 4.3 ± 3.6 (p = 0.26), and 2.1 ± 3.3 and 2.3 ± 3.2 (p = 0.34), respectively. No significant differences in long-term response quality between the two arms were found (p = 0.50).

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy is a very effective treatment for the management of benign calcaneodynia. For radiation protection reasons, the dose for a RT series should not exceed 3.0 Gy.

The Erlangen Dose Optimization Trial for radiotherapy of benign painful shoulder syndrome. Long-term results

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of pain reduction by two dose-fractionation schedules for radiotherapy of painful shoulder syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between February 2006 and February 2010, 312 evaluable patients were recruited for this prospective trial. All patients received low-dose orthovoltage radiotherapy. One course consisted of 6 fractions in 3 weeks. In the case of insufficient pain remission after 6 weeks, a second course was administered. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive single doses of either 0.5 or 1.0 Gy. Endpoint was pain reduction. Pain was measured before radiotherapy, as well as immediately after (early response), 6 weeks after (delayed response) and approximately 3 years after (long-term response) completion of radiotherapy using a questionnaire-based visual analogue scale (VAS) and a comprehensive pain score (CPS).

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 35 months (range 11-57). The overall early, delayed and long-term response rates for all patients were 83, 85 and 82 %, respectively. The mean VAS scores before treatment and those for early, delayed and long-term response in the 0.5- and 1.0-Gy groups were 56.8 ± 23.7 and 53.2 ± 21.8 (p = 0.16); 38.2 ± 36.1 and 34.0 ± 24.5 (p = 0.19); 33.0 ± 27.2 and 23.7 ± 22.7 (p = 0.04) and 27.9 ± 25.8 and 32.1 ± 26.9 (p = 0.25), respectively. The mean CPS values before treatment and those for early, delayed and long-term response were 9.7 ± 3.0 and 9.5 ± 2.7 (p = 0.31); 6.1 ± 3.6 and 5.4 ± 3.6 (p = 0.10); 5.3 ± 3.7 and 4.1 ± 3.7 (p = 0.05) and 4.0 ± 3.9 and 5.3 ± 4.4 (p = 0.05), respectively. No significant differences in the quality of the long-term response were found between the 0.5- and 1.0-Gy arms (p = 0.28).

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for the management of benign painful shoulder syndrome. For radiation protection reasons, the dose for a radiotherapy series should not exceed 3.0 Gy.

Re-irradiation for painful heel spur syndrome. Retrospective analysis of 101 heels

PURPOSE

Painful heel spur syndrome is a common disease with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 10 %. One of the most effective treatment options is radiotherapy. Many authors recommend a second or third series of radiation for recurrent pain and partial or no response to the initial treatment. As the results of re-irradiation have not been systematically analyzed the aim of this study was to document the results of repeated radiation treatment and to identify patients who could benefit from this treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The analysis was performed on patients from 2 German radiotherapy institutions and included 101 re-irradiated heels. Pain was documented with the numeric rating scale (NRS) and carried out before and directly after each radiation therapy as well as for the follow-up period of 24 months. The median age of the patients was 56 years with 30.1 % male and 69.9 % female patients. Pain was caused by plantar fasciitis in 72.3 %, Haglund's exostosis in 15.8 % and Achilles tendinitis in 11.9 %. Repeated radiation was indicated because the initial radiotherapy resulted in no response in 35.6 % of patients, partial response in 39.6 % and recurrent pain in 24.8 %.

RESULTS

A significant response to re-irradiation could be found. For the whole sample the median NRS pain score was 6 before re-irradiation, 2 after 6 weeks and 0 after 12 and 24 months. Of the patients 73.6 % were free of pain 24 months after re-irradiation. All subgroups, notably those with no response, partial response and recurrent pain had a significant reduction of pain.

CONCLUSION

Re-irradiation of painful heel spur syndrome is an effective and safe treatment. All subgroups showed a good response to re-irradiation for at least 24 months.

The Erlangen Dose Optimization trial for low-dose radiotherapy of benign painful elbow syndrome. Long-term results

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of pain reduction by two dose fractionation schedules used for low-dose radiotherapy of painful elbow syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between February 2006 and February 2010, 199 evaluable patients were recruited for this prospective trial. All patients received low-dose orthovoltage radiotherapy. One course consisted of 6 fractions in 3 weeks. In the case of insufficient pain remission after 6 weeks, a second course was administered. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive single doses of either 0.5 or 1.0 Gy. Endpoint was pain reduction. Pain was measured before radiotherapy, as well as immediately after (early response), 6 weeks after (delayed response) and approximately 3 years after (long-term response) completion of radiotherapy using a questionnaire-based visual analogue scale (VAS) and a comprehensive pain score (CPS).

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 35 months (range 9-57 months). The overall early, delayed and long-term response rates for all patients were 80, 90 and 94 %, respectively. The mean VAS scores before treatment and those for early, delayed and long-term response in the 0.5- and 1.0-Gy groups were 59.6 ± 20.2 and 55.7 ± 18.0 (p = 0.46); 32.1 ± 24.5 and 34.4 ± 22.5 (p = 0.26); 27.0 ± 27.7 and 23.5 ± 21.6 (p = 0.82) and 10.7 ± 15.0 and 21.5 ± 26.9 (p = 0.12), respectively. The mean CPS values before treatment and those for early, delayed and long-term response were 8.7 ± 2.9 and 8.1 ± 3.1 (p = 0.21); 4.5 ± 3.2 and 5.0 ± 3.4 (p = 0.51); 3.9 ± 3.6 and 2.8 ± 2.8 (p = 0.19) and 1.5 ± 2.3 and 2.4 ± 3.5 (p = 0.27), respectively. No significant differences in the quality of the long-term response were found between the 0.5- and 1.0-Gy arms (p = 0.28).

CONCLUSION

Low-dose radiotherapy is an effective treatment for the management of benign painful elbow syndrome. For radiation protection reasons, the dose for a radiotherapy series should not exceed 3.0 Gy.