Low Dose RT for Osteoarthritis and Aromatase Inhibitor-Related Joint Pain
Our research aims to expand access to low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for joint pain. Outside the U.S., LDRT is widely used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce joint pain and improve function. However, more robust evidence of the efficacy of LDRT in an American population is necessary to increase access to this life-changing treatment for the more than 30 million U.S. adults living with OA. LDRT also shows promise for relieving other types of joint pain, including arthritis induced by hormone therapy, a standard treatment for many patients with breast cancer. Up to 30% of these patients experience joint pain severe enough to stop hormone therapy early, which may impact their cancer outcomes. We are conducting a prospective study of LDRT for patients with OA and patients with breast cancer on hormone therapy who develop joint pain. We are also developing a clinical treatment program for arthritis and analyzing costs to help other radiation clinics adopt LDRT for joint pain and make it more widely available for patients in the U.S.
