Table of Contents
Overview of the Study
A recent clinical trial in South Korea explored whether **low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT)** could help reduce pain and improve function in patients with **knee osteoarthritis**. The trial included 114 participants, divided into groups receiving different radiation doses or a sham (placebo) treatment.
The study found that the patients who received the higher dose of LDRT over six sessions experienced meaningful improvements in pain, physical function, and overall condition compared to the sham and lower dose groups.
Researchers noted that the radiation doses used were very low—less than 5 percent of what is typically delivered in cancer treatments—and no radiation-related side effects were reported in the participants.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when cartilage—the cushion between bones—wears down, causing joints to rub together. This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
It often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and incidence increases with age. For many people, osteoarthritis becomes a daily challenge, limiting activities and quality of life.
How Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Worked
In the trial, researchers delivered very low doses of radiation to the knee over several sessions. Because the doses were so small, they are far below what is given for cancer treatment.
The goal was to reduce inflammation, pain signals, and possibly slow damage to joint structures. Because radiation is targeted, it can act locally in the joint while sparing surrounding tissues when carefully planned.
To be clear, this approach is not meant to rebuild cartilage or reverse advanced joint damage. Instead, it may help make symptoms more tolerable for people with mild to moderate disease.
Study Results & Outcomes
Compared to the sham and low-dose groups, the higher-dose LDRT group reported significantly better outcomes in pain relief, joint function, and patient perception of their condition.
Some improvement in the sham group also suggests a placebo effect, which is common in pain treatment studies. But the effect in the LDRT group was large enough to stand out.
Importantly, none of the participants reported radiation-related side effects. This supports the idea that, at properly controlled low doses, radiation can be safe in this context.
Benefits, Risks, and Considerations
Possible benefits:
- Reduced pain and improved daily mobility
- Reduced reliance on pain medications, which often carry side effects
- Delay or reduction in the need for surgery or joint replacement if used early
Risks and limitations:
- Radiation always carries some risk, so planning and safety are critical
- The trial did not show that LDRT can rebuild cartilage or reverse severe damage
- Long-term effects beyond the study period remain unclear
- This approach is not currently standard in the U.S., so access and coverage may be limited
What This Means for Patients
For patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who struggle with pain, this trial offers hope that low-dose radiation could be another tool in the toolbox. Especially for those who cannot tolerate high doses of pain medications or surgery, LDRT might become an intermediate option.
From the perspective of a center specializing in advanced radiation care, this is a promising development. It shows that radiation technology is evolving beyond cancer treatment, exploring applications in other chronic conditions.
If you are living with osteoarthritis and exploring treatment options, it is worth discussing the possibility of clinical trials or emerging therapies with your medical team. Radiation oncologists with experience in low-dose protocols may help assess whether you are a candidate.
Conclusion & Next Steps
This new study offers encouraging evidence that controlled low-dose radiation may reduce pain and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. While it is not yet a standard treatment in many places, it points toward an exciting frontier in therapeutic radiation.
At Tennessee Oncology Proton Center, we monitor advances in radiation care across many fields. If you or a loved one is interested in exploring emerging treatments for joint pain or other conditions, we encourage you to reach out to us. We aim to guide and support you in understanding when, how, and whether advanced radiation techniques may play a role in your care.
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