Millions of people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis. This condition gradually worsens over time due to the breakdown of protective cartilage in the joints, leading to increased pain and difficulty performing everyday tasks. However, low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) is allowing patients with advanced osteoarthritis to find relief.
While radiation therapy is traditionally used to treat cancer, a much lower dosage is used for osteoarthritis. This approach has shown promise in reducing pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
Many patients report a decrease in osteoarthritis pain that can last for about two years following this therapy.
Various types of arthritis can affect people, but currently, only advanced osteoarthritis can be treated with radiation therapy. This degenerative joint condition occurs when cartilage, which cushions the joints, breaks down, causing pain and inflammation. While several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, it can also affect individuals with no identifiable risk factors. The condition is most common in older women with a higher body mass index (BMI) and those with a family history of arthritis or previous joint injuries.
Osteoarthritis can impact any joint but most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine. It typically begins gradually, presenting with inflammation, mild discomfort, and a limited range of motion in the affected joint. Worsening pain, inflammation, and a grating sensation during movement, often accompanied by popping or cracking sounds, are common symptoms experienced as the condition progresses. Even light pressure on the joint can become painful.
If you have tried non-pharmacologic methods and topical pain relievers without success, you might consider LD-RT, especially if you wish to avoid surgery. Most insurance plans cover this type of treatment.
Low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) for osteoarthritis has been used for decades and remains widely used in Germany and other countries. The United States stopped using it in the 1980s due to the emergence of more pharmaceutical options for arthritis. Still, LD-RT is making a comeback in the U.S. for patients suffering from advanced osteoarthritis.
Many patients experience long-lasting pain relief through low-dose radiation therapy, which helps reduce joint inflammation. How exactly this treatment alleviates pain is still under research, but recent studies suggest it balances out the inflammatory pathways.
Compared to traditional treatments for osteoarthritis, LD-RT appears to provide longer-lasting pain relief. Studies indicate that over 70% of patients experience pain improvement after their initial low-dose radiation treatments, with relief lasting for up to two years. If pain recurs or worsens, low-dose radiation therapy can be repeated periodically.
Traditional approaches, such as medications and cortisone injections, can become ineffective for patients who have endured arthritis pain for many years, or they may lead to unwanted side effects. In these cases, doctors may recommend joint replacement surgery.
Before undergoing surgery for your osteoarthritis, you might consider low-dose radiation therapy as an alternative, particularly if you are over the age of 40.
Since radiation therapy for osteoarthritis involves only low doses of X-ray radiation, the side effects are minimal or non-existent. However, there is a small risk of developing secondary cancers, such as thyroid, colon, soft tissue cancers, or leukemia. It's important to discuss any concerns with a radiation oncologist, who can work with your physician to determine if this treatment option is right for you.
Radiation oncologist at Compass Oncology, Dr. Tristram Arscott shares that "low-dose radiotherapy is a highly effective and safe option for relieving arthritic and joint pain, potentially reducing the need for medications and postponing surgery."
When receiving treatment, a device known as a linear accelerator—commonly used for cancer radiation therapy—delivers low doses of radiation to the affected joint(s). This therapy is painless and noninvasive, precisely targeting the affected areas with high-energy beams while sparing nearby tissue from damage.
During the session, the radiation therapist will position you on the treatment table and then administer the radiation to the targeted area. You may hear clicking or buzzing sounds, and the machine will move to adjust the angle of radiation delivery. Once you are in position, a treatment session typically lasts about 10 minutes.
You will need approximately six treatments in total, spaced a few days apart over a few weeks. You should be able to continue your normal daily activities during this time.
Compass Oncology is excited to offer low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis to patients in the Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington areas. If you suffer from osteoarthritis and would like to learn more about how low-dose radiation therapy can help you find relief, request an appointment at the location nearest to you for an initial consultation. Additionally, your primary care physician, rheumatologist, orthopedic doctor, or pain specialist can refer you to one of our clinics to determine if radiation therapy suits you.