ArticleAdvances in radiation oncology2026
Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis: Analysis of Preliminary Outcomes at Scripps Clinic.
Article in Advances in radiation oncology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
14 authors.
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Abstract
Purpose: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative joint disease affecting approximately 15% of Americans, resulting in significant pain, functional impairment, and diminished quality of life (QoL). Many patients have symptoms refractory to conventional treatments including lifestyle modification, topical and oral analgesics as well as intra-articular therapy. Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) has been used for many decades in Europe to manage OA symptoms, but this treatment remains underutilized in the United States. Since June 2024, LDRT has been routinely used in our clinic to treat OA. This study evaluates early clinical outcomes. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively reviewed patients aged 46 to 96 who received LDRT for OA between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. During this period, departmental policy limited treatment to nonpregnant adults and peripheral joints. Demographics, joint site, imaging, prior therapies, radiation dose, and treatment dates were extracted from the medical record. All patients received 3 Gy in 0.5-Gy fractions over ∼10 days. Standardized forms were completed at baseline and at 2-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up, assessing pain (Visual Analog Scale), analgesic use (days/week), and activities of daily living/QoL impact (1-10 scale). Range of motion and treatment-related side effects were also documented. Results: A total of 167 patients and 184 joints were treated with LDRT for OA. Patients with no follow-up were excluded from the study. Patients had statistically significant improvement in pain scores, reduced analgesic use, and enhanced QoL. Among 184 joints, 88% noted a decrease in pain following treatment at the first follow-up visit. The mean pain scores decreased from 6.31 ± 2.07 pretreatment to 2.51 ± 2.80 at follow-up (paired Conclusions: LDRT is an effective noninvasive treatment for OA with minimal adverse effects. These findings support further study and broader consideration of clinical use in the United States.
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Registered trials
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