Low-dose radiation therapy shows promise for myeloma and osteoarthritis

New research presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting highlights the efficacy of low-dose radiation therapy for treating bone lesions and osteoarthritis.

A phase 2 clinical trial found that ultra-low-dose radiation therapy significantly relieved painful bone lesions in patients with multiple myeloma. The study, led by investigators at Cedars-Sinai, reported that 81% of patients achieved pain control through one or two treatments with minimal side effects, such as low-grade fatigue. This approach may allow for earlier intervention without disrupting systemic treatments.

In a separate long-term analysis of a randomized trial involving nearly 300 patients, low-dose radiation therapy was shown to provide sustained improvements in pain, physical function, and quality of life for those with knee osteoarthritis. The study, which followed patients for nearly 12 years, indicated that radiation therapy was associated with significantly less structural deterioration on MRI scans and a 67% lower hazard of disability compared to medication alone. The benefits were most pronounced in patients with grade 2 disease.