Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis
Managing pain with osteoarthritis can be challenging. At City of Hope, the Department of Radiation Oncology’s goal is to treat musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis to help manage pain, allowing patients to have optimal quality of life. For patients who haven’t yet found relief through other treatments, low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) may provide a powerful alternative for pain management and is now available at the following City of Hope Radiation Oncology sites.
Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LD-RT) Treatment
LD-RT is a recommended alternative treatment for older patients with refractory osteoarthritis who haven’t experienced effective pain relief using other treatments. When given at lower dosages, this radiation therapy has potent anti-inflammatory benefits that can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, managing pain in the hands, fingers, knees, hips, ankles, shoulders and spine.
To help manage pain, LD-RT is administered by a radiation machine in six to eight treatment sessions, given every other day or twice a week over the course of two to three weeks. Each treatment takes less than 10 minutes, and multiple joints can be treated in the same session. Studies show that over 70% of patients who’ve undergone LD-RT experience significant pain improvement, with 65% reporting relief lasting up to two years after initial treatment.
The Advantages of Low-Dose Radiation Therapy
- Painless and safe: LD-RT has no reported acute side effects due to the low dosage of radiation.
- Ideal for older patients: LD-RT can be especially beneficial for older patients seeking effective pain management with minimal intervention.
- Cost-effective: LD-RT is a recognized and approved treatment covered by many insurance plans.
City of Hope’s Department of Radiation Oncology has long been at the forefront of providing evidence-based clinical care for cancer patients for decades. We offer patients leading-edge technologies, compassionate care and comprehensive radiation oncology services, including LD-RT.
All of City of Hope’s Southern California locations have received the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)’s APEx accreditation for excellence. ASTRO’s APEx accreditation is based on performance in 16 safety protocols and ensures patients that recognized facilities consistently meet the highest levels of patient care and safety.