External beam radiation therapy for PTFE dialysis grafts: a pilot study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of external beam radiation on PTFE dialysis graft dysfunction. Methods: Seven patients who underwent PTFE dialysis graft angioplasty were randomized to receive either two 8 Gy doses of external beam radiation or no radiation. The primary endpoint was time to graft thrombosis with a secondary endpoint of time to first intervention. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in either of the endpoints, although grafts in the radiation group had a shorter time to thrombosis or intervention. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate technical feasibility for use of external beam radiation in the setting of dialysis vascular access graft dysfunction. Larger randomized studies are required to identify whether there is a clinical benefit from this intervention.