Low-dose radiation therapy, once considered a relic of the past, is emerging as a safe and effective treatment for arthritis pain, according to multiple new studies presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) 2025 annual meeting in San Francisco. Researchers from Korea, the US, and Germany reported that mild doses of radiation can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility in patients with osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees, hands, and other joints. Unlike high-dose radiation used for cancer treatment, this low-dose approach minimises side effects and could offer a lifeline to millions struggling with chronic joint pain.
Radiation therapy brings relief for arthritis and joint pain
In a randomised clinical trial conducted in South Korea, 114 volunteers with knee arthritis were treated with 3 Gy of radiation spread over six sessions. Researchers observed that 70% of participants experienced meaningful improvement in pain, function, or overall condition, far higher than the 42% improvement seen in the placebo (sham) group. The results demonstrated that low-dose radiation can safely ease arthritis symptoms without harming healthy tissues. However, an even lower dose of 0.3 Gy offered no measurable benefit, suggesting that therapeutic precision is key.
US and European research reinforce safety and effectiveness
Supporting findings came from researchers in the US who tracked 103 arthritis patients treated with radiation in various joints including the hands, knees, and shoulders. Remarkably, 84% reported pain relief, with results consistent across age, gender, and body type.
In Germany, long-term tracking of over 4,600 older patients between 1994 and 2010 found only three possible cases of solid-tumour cancers linked to treatment, confirming that radiation doses for arthritis carry an “almost negligible risk.” However, researchers noted a slight rise in blood-related cancers among those treated near bone marrow-rich regions, urging caution for radiation in the shoulder and trunk areas.
Why low-dose radiation is gaining attention
Low-dose radiotherapy is already a common arthritis treatment in parts of Europe, but until now, strong randomised evidence was limited. Experts say this new data could pave the way for broader adoption worldwide. Dr Byoung Hyuck Kim of Seoul National University, who led the Korean trial, emphasised that arthritis radiation doses are 10–20 times lower than cancer therapy levels and typically target joints far from vital organs, drastically lowering risk.
What this means for arthritis care
These findings offer hope for millions of arthritis sufferers seeking alternatives to long-term painkillers or invasive surgery. Experts stress that while the results are encouraging, larger global trials and standardised treatment protocols are needed before low-dose radiation becomes mainstream. Still, the growing body of evidence suggests that this once-overlooked therapy may soon play a key role in safe, non-surgical pain management for chronic joint conditions.
Radiation therapy brings relief for arthritis and joint pain
In a randomised clinical trial conducted in South Korea, 114 volunteers with knee arthritis were treated with 3 Gy of radiation spread over six sessions. Researchers observed that 70% of participants experienced meaningful improvement in pain, function, or overall condition, far higher than the 42% improvement seen in the placebo (sham) group. The results demonstrated that low-dose radiation can safely ease arthritis symptoms without harming healthy tissues. However, an even lower dose of 0.3 Gy offered no measurable benefit, suggesting that therapeutic precision is key.
US and European research reinforce safety and effectiveness
Supporting findings came from researchers in the US who tracked 103 arthritis patients treated with radiation in various joints including the hands, knees, and shoulders. Remarkably, 84% reported pain relief, with results consistent across age, gender, and body type.
In Germany, long-term tracking of over 4,600 older patients between 1994 and 2010 found only three possible cases of solid-tumour cancers linked to treatment, confirming that radiation doses for arthritis carry an “almost negligible risk.” However, researchers noted a slight rise in blood-related cancers among those treated near bone marrow-rich regions, urging caution for radiation in the shoulder and trunk areas.
Why low-dose radiation is gaining attention
Low-dose radiotherapy is already a common arthritis treatment in parts of Europe, but until now, strong randomised evidence was limited. Experts say this new data could pave the way for broader adoption worldwide. Dr Byoung Hyuck Kim of Seoul National University, who led the Korean trial, emphasised that arthritis radiation doses are 10–20 times lower than cancer therapy levels and typically target joints far from vital organs, drastically lowering risk.
What this means for arthritis care
These findings offer hope for millions of arthritis sufferers seeking alternatives to long-term painkillers or invasive surgery. Experts stress that while the results are encouraging, larger global trials and standardised treatment protocols are needed before low-dose radiation becomes mainstream. Still, the growing body of evidence suggests that this once-overlooked therapy may soon play a key role in safe, non-surgical pain management for chronic joint conditions.
You may also like
Julia Roberts opens up about struggling with self-confidence during initial phase of her acting career
Kerala HC grants anticipatory bail to actress Lakshmi R. Menon in abduction case
Property experts warn of one key detail after Kemi Badenoch pledges to scrap stamp duty
Big Brother ejects star George from house over 'unacceptable language' that can't air
Andhra Pradesh: Fire erupts at firecracker factory in East Godavari, 6 killed
