Is graft irradiation of value in renal transplant rejection?

Thirty-six patients who received renal transplants and who subsequently underwent rejection episodes were randomized into two groups before undergoing treatment. One group received high doses of steroid drugs, and the other group received in addition 600 rads of radiotherapy to the graft. After 3 years (minimum follow-up 12 months) the groups were compared with respect to initial response to treatment, patient and graft survivals, and level of transplant function. No benefit was obtained by the group receiving radiotherapy.