Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar fascia leading to flexion deformities that impair hand function. This chapter reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical staging of the disease, highlighting the genetic, vascular, and molecular mechanisms underlying fibroblast proliferation and fibrosis. Treatment modalities range from conservative observation to surgery, with emerging minimally invasive techniques. Special emphasis is placed on the evolving role of radiotherapy, as a safe and effective non-surgical intervention in early-stage disease to modulate fibroblast activity, reduce progression, and improve symptoms. Evidence from retrospective cohorts, randomized trials, and systematic reviews supports radiotherapy’s ability to stabilize or regress disease with minimal toxicity and no significant malignancy risk over long-term follow-up. Ongoing research aims to refine patient selection, optimize dosing, and evaluate radiotherapy as an adjuvant to surgery. This integrative approach offers new hope for managing Dupuytren’s contracture, reducing disability, and enhancing patient quality of life.

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Radiotherapy in Dupuytren’s Contracture: Current Evidence and Future Directions

  • Sankalp Singh

摘要

Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar fascia leading to flexion deformities that impair hand function. This chapter reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical staging of the disease, highlighting the genetic, vascular, and molecular mechanisms underlying fibroblast proliferation and fibrosis. Treatment modalities range from conservative observation to surgery, with emerging minimally invasive techniques. Special emphasis is placed on the evolving role of radiotherapy, as a safe and effective non-surgical intervention in early-stage disease to modulate fibroblast activity, reduce progression, and improve symptoms. Evidence from retrospective cohorts, randomized trials, and systematic reviews supports radiotherapy’s ability to stabilize or regress disease with minimal toxicity and no significant malignancy risk over long-term follow-up. Ongoing research aims to refine patient selection, optimize dosing, and evaluate radiotherapy as an adjuvant to surgery. This integrative approach offers new hope for managing Dupuytren’s contracture, reducing disability, and enhancing patient quality of life.