Radiotherapy for Ledderhose disease: Results of the LedRad-study, a prospective multicentre randomised double-blind phase 3 trial

Anneke de Haan*, Johanna G.H. van Nes, M. Willemijn Kolff, Peter Paul van der Toorn, A. Helen Westenberg, Annelies E. van der Vegt, Henk Groen, Jelle Overbosch, Hans Paul van der Laan, Paul M.N. Werker, Johannes A. Langendijk, Roel J.H.M. Steenbakkers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Background and purpose: Radiotherapy is considered a treatment option for Ledderhose disease. However, its benefits have never been confirmed in a randomised controlled trial. Therefore, the LedRad-study was conducted. 

Materials and methods: The LedRad-study is a prospective multicentre randomised double-blind phase three trial. Patients were randomised to sham-radiotherapy (placebo) or radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was pain reduction at 12 months after treatment, measured with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary endpoints were pain reduction at 6 and 18 months after treatment, quality of life (QoL), walking abilities and toxicity.

Results: A total of 84 patients were enrolled. At 12 and 18 months, patients in the radiotherapy group had a lower mean pain score compared to patients in the sham-radiotherapy group (2.5 versus 3.6 (p = 0.03) and 2.1 versus 3.4 (p = 0.008), respectively). Pain relief at 12 months was 74% in the radiotherapy group and 56% in the sham-radiotherapy group (p = 0.002). Multilevel testing for QoL scores showed higher QoL scores in the radiotherapy group compared to the sham-radiotherapy group (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients in the radiotherapy group had a higher mean walking speed and step rate with barefoot speed walking (p = 0.02). Erythema, skin dryness, burning sensations and increased pain were the most frequently reported side effects. These side effects were generally graded as mild (95%) and the majority (87%) were resolved at 18 months follow-up.

Conclusion: Radiotherapy for symptomatic Ledderhose disease is an effective treatment resulting in a significant pain reduction, improvement of QoL scores and bare feet walking abilities, in comparison to sham-radiotherapy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number109718
Number of pages6
JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology
Volume185
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug-2023

Keywords

  • Ledderhose disease
  • Non-malignant
  • Plantar fibromatosis
  • Radiation

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