Randomized Study of Sequential Orbital Radiotherapy for Graves' Ophthalmopathy

PROTOCOL OUTLINE: The posterior region of 1 orbit is irradiated over 2 weeks with supervoltage equipment. The other orbit is treated 6 months later. The sequence of therapy is randomly assigned.

The untreated eye receives a simultaneous sham treatment during each radiotherapy session.

Patients are followed at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 36 months.

PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA:

--Disease Characteristics-- Firm diagnosis of Graves' disease with normal thyroid function, i.e.: Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin positive Thyroxine 5-12.5 micrograms/dL Tri-iodothyronine 80-180 nanograms/dL Thyroid-stimulating hormone 0.2-8 milli-International unit (mIU/L) Euthyroid due to therapy acceptable Ophthalmopathy meeting at least 3 of the following criteria: Chemosis or lid edema Lid lag, lid retraction, or restrictive lagophthalmos Proptosis at least 20 mm by Krahn exophthalmometry in at least 1 eye Less than 4 mm discrepancy between eyes Patient perception of "stare" or "bulge" Extraocular muscle motion restriction in 1 or both eyes on clinical exam or by patient report of diplopia at extremes of gaze Extraocular muscle enlargement on computerized tomography (previous study results acceptable) Mild to moderate ophthalmopathy, i.e.: Orbital pain Lacrimation Photophobia Visual blurring or diplopia No optic neuropathy, i.e.: Afferent pupillary defect Impaired color vision on D-15 testing (unless congenital color perception deficiency) Visual field defect Impaired visual acuity No corneal ulcers --Prior/Concurrent Therapy-- No prior external-beam radiotherapy to the head and neck At least 2 weeks since corticosteroids --Patient Characteristics-- No prior head and neck tumors No diabetes No pregnant women