When most people hear the words radiation therapy, they think of cancer treatment. But a much lower dose of radiation therapy is used to treat benign conditions such as osteoarthritis and tennis/golf elbow.
Niti Dube, MD, radiation oncologist at Summit Health’s Westmed Medical Group discusses the benefits of Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) for patients seeking relief from chronic pain and inflammation. In this Q&A, Dr. Dube shares insights into this safe, effective and non-invasive treatment option that may help improve your quality of life.
Q. Tell us about the program you are developing using low-dose radiation therapy. What types of ailments is LDRT used to treat?
Dr. Dube: Our program focuses on Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT), a non-invasive, anti-inflammatory treatment designed to reduce pain and improve joint function. LDRT is a painless treatment that can offer meaningful improvement for many patients. It is not a cure or a replacement for surgery, but rather a bridge between conservative management and surgery for those who do not have an adequate response to other therapies.
Q. Radiation therapy is thought of as a cancer treatment. When did it start being used for benign conditions?
Dr. Dube: Radiation therapy has been used to treat benign conditions for over one hundred years. As more research has supported its safety and effectiveness, it has gained traction in the United States.
Q. What types of ailments is LDRT used to treat?
Dr. Dube: LDRT is particularly effective for inflammatory and degenerative musculoskeletal and soft tissue diseases, including:
- Osteoarthritis (hips, knees, hands, shoulders and ankles)
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Tennis elbow
- Golf elbow
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Q. What patients can benefit from the types of treatments you offer?
Dr. Dube: LDRT is ideal for patients who:
- Are over age 40.
- Experience joint or soft tissue pain.
- Have not responded well to conservative treatments (e.g. NSAIDs, steroid injections, or physical therapy).
- Want to delay or avoid surgery or reduce reliance on pain medications.
- Are poor surgical candidates due to other medical conditions or advanced age.
Q. What are common concerns for patients?
Dr. Dube: Patients often ask the following questions about the safety and nature of LDRT:
“Is LDRT the same as cancer radiation?”
No. Cancer treatments use high doses of radiation, while LDRT uses a fraction of that amount.
“Is LDRT safe?”
Yes, the term “radiation” can be intimidating, but LDRT is extremely safe. There are no reported cases of LDRT causing cancer, and it is considered a safe option for people over 40. It does not make patients radioactive, and there are no precautions that need to be taken while undergoing treatment.
Q. Are there any risks or side effects patients should be aware of?
Dr. Dube: Side effects are rare and generally mild. They may include:
- Slight skin irritation or redness (about 1 in 1,000 cases).
- Temporary mild fatigue.
- Occasionally, a brief increase in pain before improvement.
There are no documented long-term side effects, and the risk of secondary cancer at these doses is extremely low.
Q. What kind of results have been reported?
Dr. Dube: Decades of international research have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of LDRT. Key findings from numerous studies include:
- 65–77% of patients experience meaningful improvement.
- 70–75% report pain relief or improved function within weeks.
- Benefits can last up to two years.
In Europe, LDRT is widely used and well-validated. Interest in the U.S. is growing due to its strong safety profile and positive outcomes.
Q. What should patients expect from treatment?
Dr. Dube: A typical course of LDRT includes:
- Consultation and evaluation with imaging.
- A treatment planning session.
- Six outpatient treatments delivered over 2–3 weeks.
Each visit lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, with only a few minutes of actual radiation exposure. There is no anesthesia, pain or downtime after treatment. Patients can drive themselves to appointments and resume daily activities immediately.
Q. When do patients start seeing relief?
Dr. Dube: Every patient is different, but many notice improvement within the first week. By the end of the treatment course, most experience pain relief and improved mobility. Benefits continue to build over weeks to months and often last for years. If symptoms return, the treatment can be safely repeated.
Q. Does insurance cover this?
Dr. Dube: Yes, LDRT is covered by Medicare and many commercial insurance plans. Coverage may vary slightly depending on the diagnosis and policy requirements, but it is generally recognized as a reimbursable therapy. Check with your insurance company to determine what benefits you have.
Q. Anything else you want to include?
Dr. Dube: LDRT is fast, safe, painless and supported by decades of clinical use. LDRT offers a meaningful improvement in quality of life. It is an excellent option for patients who:
- Cannot take long-term NSAIDs.
- Want a non-invasive, low-risk therapy.
- Want to avoid surgery.
- Need pain relief that fits into a busy lifestyle.
Summit Health’s Westmed Medical Group can help.
Dr. Dube and her team are excited to bring this innovative treatment to patients seeking relief from chronic pain and inflammation. If you’re interested in learning more about Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT), schedule a consultation today.