Purpose: In a retrospective analysis the efficacy of radiotherapy in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa was assessed.
Patients and methods: Data from 231 patients undergoing radiotherapy for hidradenitis suppurativa in the last years in 2 hospitals were analyzed. The patients were treated with an orthovoltage therapy unit with 175 kV, 0.5 mm copper-filtering. The single doses reached from 0.5 Gy to 1.5 Gy up to total doses between 3.0 Gy and 8.0 Gy in one series. In chronic recurrent disease 2 or more series with a total dose of more than 10.0 Gy were given.
Results: Complete relief of symptoms at the end of radiotherapy was achieved in 89 patients (38%). In 92 patients (40%) there was clear improvement of symptoms. Only 2 patients did not react to radiotherapy. No side effects of radiotherapy occurred.
Conclusion: Radiotherapy should be given more consideration as a treatment option for hidradenitis suppurativa.