Orbital Radiotherapy Effective Treatment for Graves’ Orbitopathy

Full or partial therapeutic responses to orbital radiotherapy are common for patients with Graves’ orbitopathy, according to results published in International Ophthalmology. A study team examined patients with ocular manifestations of Graves’ orbitopathy and changes in therapeutic response. The researchers also examined QOL in the first year following orbital radiotherapy, which was conducted with a total dose of 20 Gy, divided into 10 sessions of 2 Gy each, with concomitant use of oral, low-dose glucocorticoids. Researchers assessed therapeutic response and ocular manifestations at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, as well as QOL at 3, 6, and 12 months. One month after orbital radiotherapy, 61.6% of patients had a full or partial therapeutic response. During follow up, the proportion of full responders increased to 57.5% at 12 months, while the number of non responders gradually declined. Individual ocular manifestations significantly improved 1-3 months after orbital radiotherapy. QOL related to visual function improved significantly at 6 months and QOL related to appearance improved significantly at 12 months. “The initial effect on the therapeutic response and individual ocular parameters was evident as soon as 1-3 months after the procedure,” researchers wrote.