Therapeutic Efficacy of Orbital Radiotherapy in Patients With Graves' Orbitopathy

Orbital radiotherapy is a well-established second-line therapy for moderate-to-severe forms of Graves' orbitopathy. However, the question about it efficacy is still controversial. The purpose of the present interventional study is to assess the changes in the therapeutic response, ocular manifestations of Graves' orbitopathy and quality of life during the first year after orbital radiotherapy. The main questions it aim to answer are:

• How effective is orbital radiotherapy used as first- or second-line treatment in patients with Graves' orbitopathy?
• How does the quality of life changes after orbital radiotherapy?

Participants have active moderate-to-severe Graves' orbitopathy untreated or already treated with systemic glucocorticoids and are referred to low dose fractionated orbital radiotherapy, total dose 20 Gy divided into 10 sessions, 2 Gy for each session. A concomitant intake of low-dose glucocorticoids is prescribed to all patient. During the follow-up period they undergo regular ocular examinations (at 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th month), which includes comprehensive ocular status, hormonal and immunological testing and evaluation of the current therapeutic response. The patients also fill out a disease-specific questionnaire (at 3rd, 6th and 12th months).

Inclusion criteria

• Active moderate-to-severe Graves' orbitopathy

Exclusion criteria

• Contraindications for orbital radiotherapy