Selected studies, articles, and news coverage on low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis
Research on LDRT for osteoarthritis is mixed. Some older sham-controlled trials did not show a clear advantage over sham treatment, while a more recent randomized trial in mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis found improved pain and function at four months. Observational studies often report favorable results, but they are more vulnerable to placebo effects and differences in patient selection. Longer-term and joint-specific randomized evidence is still needed.
The sections below separate peer-reviewed publications, conference research, and media coverage so readers can judge each source in context.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology released findings from a placebo-controlled clinical trial showing pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The trial included a sham-treatment control and reported short-term outcomes at four months.
Read the ASTRO 2025 release →The first U.S. multidisciplinary consensus guideline on LDRT for osteoarthritis, developed by radiation oncologists, rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and a patient advocate. Concludes LDRT is appropriate for selected patients, with response rates of 60%-90% across the reviewed evidence.
Read our summary → View the publication →A peer-reviewed review of LDRT in osteoarthritis, including anti-inflammatory mechanisms, clinical outcomes, and safety considerations across published studies.
View the publication →A 2025 clinical review covering current evidence, treatment protocols, safety data, and practical guidance for using LDRT in osteoarthritis care, including recommendations for US adoption.
View the publication →A peer-reviewed review in the Red Journal examining the mechanism, evidence base, and clinical use of LDRT for osteoarthritis. The article reviews proposed mechanisms, published outcomes, and practical considerations.
View the publication →A real-world outcomes paper from FHN's Leonard Ferguson Cancer Center in Freeport, IL, documenting results from their LDRT program.
View the publication →A clinical topic review by radiation oncologists across multiple health systems covering patient selection, dosing, immobilization technique, and retreatment considerations for LDRT.
View the publication →European coverage of the 2025 ASTRO-presented randomized trial results, with international context for the growing evidence base on LDRT for arthritis pain.
Read the full article →A patient with severe osteoarthritis pain described meaningful relief after LDRT, a treatment she had not heard of until recently.
Read the full article →A Medscape feature covering the return of LDRT across US hospitals, with expert commentary on why many referring doctors still do not know about it.
Read the full article →Penn Medicine opened an LDRT clinic after treating more than 150 osteoarthritis patients, describing it as a non-invasive option for patients who are not ready for surgery.
Read the full article →UC Health physicians launched an LDRT program and noted that many Americans are still unaware this older treatment is again being offered in the US.
Read the full article →SUNY Upstate describes its LDRT program and notes that ASTRO's 2025 annual meeting theme was "Rediscovering Radiation Medicine."
Read the full article →Cleveland Clinic describes its enterprise-wide LDRT program and care pathway, noting that fewer than 10% of US radiation oncologists were using LDRT for OA before 2023.
Read the full article →Coverage of the Korean randomized trial results plus Vanderbilt's ongoing MOBILE study, which has enrolled 103 patients across 148 joint sites to test real-world feasibility of LDRT in US practice.
Read the full article →A patient-friendly summary of the Korean randomized controlled trial, explaining the short-term findings and the limits of the available evidence.
Read the full article →A local news feature on Northwell Health's Norwalk Hospital LDRT program, with radiation oncologist Dr. Christine Chin describing the treatment's goals for patients.
Read the full article →Lahey Clinic's radiation oncology team describes LDRT as a treatment option for osteoarthritis joint pain, covering the typical six-visit schedule and insurance coverage.
Read the full article →A patient-facing explainer on why this once-common arthritis treatment is regaining popularity in the United States.
Read the full article →Radiation oncologist Dr. Maxwell Tran explains the anti-inflammatory mechanism behind LDRT and addresses common patient questions about future joint replacement or steroid injections.
Read the full article →Links open to external websites. Radiant Joint Alliance is not affiliated with any publication, journal, or institution listed above. This page is for educational purposes only.