UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Altoona: LDRT for Osteoarthritis

Yes. We found evidence that Radiation Oncology - UPMC Altoona offers low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for osteoarthritis, so it is listed as confirmed. Services can change, so call 814-889-2400 to check before you schedule.

The closest other listed locations are Conemaugh Health System - Johnstown Cancer Center in Johnstown, PA (about 31 miles away), Mount Nittany Health in State College, PA (about 36 miles away), Allegheny Health Network (AHN) - Armstrong County Memorial Hospital in Kittanning, PA (about 64 miles away), and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) - Clarion Hospital in Clarion, PA (about 70 miles away). Distances are straight-line, not driving distance.

Usually, yes. Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans cover LDRT for osteoarthritis, though coverage details vary by plan. The radiation oncology office listed above can verify your specific benefits before you schedule.

It depends on your insurance plan. Many plans allow scheduling directly with a radiation oncology department once osteoarthritis is documented; others require a referral from your primary care doctor, orthopedist, or rheumatologist first. Call the office above to ask what they require.

A typical LDRT course uses a low total dose delivered over six treatments, substantially less than the dose used in cancer treatment. Long-term clinical experience hasn't identified a clear signal of increased radiation-related cancer risk after LDRT for osteoarthritis, though studies aren't large enough to rule out a very small risk entirely. The radiation oncologist above can walk through how the benefit and risk apply to your specific case.

A consultation, then a CT planning scan, then typically six treatment sessions given two to three times a week over two to three weeks. Each session takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes, mostly positioning; there's no needle, sedation, or recovery time.