The Headline: Low dose radiation may do more than just reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.
The Study: Low dose RT is increasingly utilized in the US to treat advanced, refractory osteoarthritis. Integrated analysis of patient symptoms, function, and radiographic changes from this randomized trial suggest LDRT may actually be disease modifying for OA. Compared to medical therapy alone, LDRT (4.5 Gy in 10 fractions) resulted in significantly less radiographic progression of OA on MRI. There was also a 67% reduction in disability after LDRT. The rate of total knee arthroplasty was also lower, especially among those with higher grade OA.
TBL:This study provides radiographic evidence that LDRT may reduce the progression of OA in addition to providing symptomatic relief. | Koneru, ASTRO 2026
The Study: Low dose RT is increasingly utilized in the US to treat advanced, refractory osteoarthritis. Integrated analysis of patient symptoms, function, and radiographic changes from this randomized trial suggest LDRT may actually be disease modifying for OA. Compared to medical therapy alone, LDRT (4.5 Gy in 10 fractions) resulted in significantly less radiographic progression of OA on MRI. There was also a 67% reduction in disability after LDRT. The rate of total knee arthroplasty was also lower, especially among those with higher grade OA.
TBL:This study provides radiographic evidence that LDRT may reduce the progression of OA in addition to providing symptomatic relief. | Koneru, ASTRO 2026