Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Shows Promise for Knee Osteoarthritis Relief

A recent randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial suggests that a single course of low-dose radiation therapy can provide effective pain relief and improved physical function for individuals suffering from mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. The study, conducted across multiple centers in Korea and presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting, highlights the safety and potential benefits of this minimally invasive treatment.

Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition affecting over 32 million adults in the U.S., characterized by cartilage deterioration that leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Traditional treatments include pain medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and, in advanced cases, joint replacement surgery. However, many patients seek alternatives that balance efficacy with safety.

This study involved 114 patients who received one of two low-dose radiation regimens—0.3 Gy or 3 Gy—or a sham treatment without actual radiation. All participants underwent six sessions, with neither they nor the investigators knowing their respective groups. Importantly, other pain-relieving medications were limited to acetaminophen, ensuring that observed effects could be attributed primarily to the radiation therapy.

Results after four months showed that 70% of patients in the 3 Gy group experienced significant symptom improvement, compared to 42% in the placebo group. The 0.3 Gy group did not show a statistically significant difference from the placebo. The improvements included reductions in pain, stiffness, and physical limitations, with the 3 Gy group reporting the most notable benefits. No radiation-related side effects were observed, reinforcing the safety profile of low-dose therapy.

Lead researcher Dr. Byoung Hyuck Kim emphasized that the doses used in this treatment are a small fraction of those used for cancer, targeting particular joints away from vital organs, thus minimizing risk. The study's design also distinguished it by effectively excluding placebo effects, which are common in osteoarthritis interventions.

While the findings are promising, the researchers note that radiation therapy may be more suitable for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, as it does not regenerate cartilage but may delay disease progression. Future research aims to evaluate the long-term durability of symptom relief and consider larger, more diverse patient populations.

This innovative approach provides hope for patients seeking less invasive options than surgery, especially when medications are poorly tolerated or ineffective. As research continues, low-dose radiation therapy could become an integral part of osteoarthritis management, enhancing quality of life for millions.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-dose-therapy-substantial-relief-people.html