Results of radiotherapy for Peyronie's disease.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively review the results of radiotherapy for Peyronie's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the time interval 1983-2000, 154 patients in our clinic were irradiated for Peyronie's disease. Of those, 101 had at least one complete follow-up data set and are the subject of this study. In the majority of patients, penis deviation was between 30 and 50 degrees , there were one or two indurated foci with a diameter between 5 and 15 mm. Pain was recorded in 48/92 patients. Seventy-two of the 101 patients received radiotherapy with a total dose of 30 Gy, and 25 received 36 Gy in daily fractions of 2.0 Gy. The remaining patients received the following dosage: 34 Gy (1 patient), 38-40 Gy (3 patients). Mean duration of follow-up was 5 years. RESULTS: The best results ever at any time during follow-up were an improvement of deviation in 47%, reduction of number of foci in 32%, reduction of size of foci in 49%, and less induration in 52%. Approximately 50% reported pain relief after radiotherapy. There were 28 patients with mild acute dermatitis and only 4 patients with mild urethritis. There were no long-term side effects. CONCLUSION: Our results compare well with those of other studies in the literature. In our patient cohort, radiotherapy was an effective therapy option with only very rare and mild side effects.

[Craniospinal irradiation -- patient positioning and verification with portal films]. / Kraniospinale Bestrahlung -- Patientenlagerung und Verifikation.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of an important step for quality assurance in irradiation of the craniospinal axis was made through changes in the irradiation technique. Crucial improvements in patient positioning and the possibility of taking portal films of the field junctions are described. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A box for the positioning of the head of the patient in has been developed. In combination with vacuum cushions, it is a cheap method for the individual and secure positioning of the patient in prone position. Furthermore, a method for taking portal films of the field junctions between the lateral cranial and the upper dorsal spinal field as well as between the two dorsal spinal fields is described. DISCUSSION: The use of the "Bonner Box" improves the patient positioning with respect to reproducibility, setup time and comfort. The documentation of the field junctions in craniospinal irradiation, which is described for the first time, is an important tool for quality assurance.