Some of you were asking about alternative treatments to Graves. I remembered seeing an article in the NGDF newsletter about a new study, so I dug and found it in the Volume V No. 1 (1995?) issue. I¹ll recount for you:
Orbital Radiotherapy Study Needs Patients
The purpose of this trial at the Mayo Clinic, headed by Dr. Colum Gorman, is to determine which patients with Graves¹ ophthalmopathy will benefit most from the treatment, which manifestations are most and least responsive, and what is the time course of those responses. Evaluation and treatment are provided at no cost to study participants. We particularly welcome participation by minority groups. Limited reimbursement of travel expenses is provided.
The study involves treating one randomly selected eye and six months later the other eye is also treated. The untreated eye is used as a control. Participants in the study will be evaluated prior to treatment at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 36 months. Treatment requires a three-week stay in Rochester, Minnesota on two occasions. Interim evaluations require two days.
Eligible patients are those who do not have optic neuropathy and who have not previously had orbital radiation therapy, orbital decompression, and who are not pregnant or diabetic. Steroid treatment is not a barrier to entering the study but must be discontinued before the study begins.
Further information about the study can be obtained by calling the study coordinator, Ms. Merrilee Muenkel at (507) 284-4738.
Does anyone know about this study and/or its findings? I personally can¹t participate because of my prior surgeries, maybe it¹s choice for you.
Debby
Anonymous
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