Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Phase Ii Trial to Assess Pain Response

Study on Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Joint Pain Relief

A
Arpan Prabhu

Primary Investigator

Enrolling By Invitation
40 years or above
All
Phase 2
75 participants needed
4 Locations

Brief description of study

Low dose radiation in the treatment of benign diseases, including musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, is a standard clinical practice commonly utilized in some practices in the United States and even more commonly utilized in countries in Europe. This study will evaluate patients' pain and quality of life responses to this standard treatment through the use of surveys before and after their treatment for arthritis in our facilities.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - Surveys and chart review will be performed within hospital clinics at IU Health for patients receiving LDRT for osteoarthritis. Some patients may be referred by other physicians or hear from word of mouth about this study. Patients will be seen in clinic during routine consultation appointments, and the study will be explained to them then. We will also email potential referring providers to let them know about the study using the provided email template.After consenting to the study, they will fill out pain score and quality of life surveys before and after undergoing the standard treatment with LDRT.

Detailed description of study

This research study is designed to systematically collect information on how patients respond to low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for osteoarthritis. LDRT has shown promise in managing benign musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. The goal is to understand the benefits, side effects, and impact on pain and quality of life so that future patients may benefit from this knowledge.

Our study will ask patients who are receiving LDRT to complete questionnaires to evaluate their pain levels and quality of life changes with LDRT. 

Primary Objective:
1. To assess pain relief of patients treated with LDRT for OA overall and stratified by Kellgren-Lawrence score, an objective grading scale of the severity of OA based on radiographic X-ray findings at baseline.

Secondary Objectives:
1. To assess quality of life of patients treated with LDRT for OA 2. To assess functional outcome scores for patients treated with LDRT for OA 3. To monitor acute and late side effects from LDRT

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Osteoarthritis
  • Age: 40 years or above
  • Gender: All

Inclusion

Eligible patients must:
•    Have a diagnosis of osteoarthritis
•    Age of 40 years or older
•    Have failed at least one other form of treatment (E.g., oral anti-inflammatory medications, steroidal injection, physical therapy, etc.)
•    Have signed consent for treatment with radiation therapy

Exclusion

Ineligible patients are:
•    Pregnant or lactating women
•    Patients with radiation overlap that would be deemed unsafe per the evaluating radiation physician
•    Patients with a previous joint replacement at the site of treatment
 

This study investigates the use of low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for treating osteoarthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how LDRT affects pain and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis.

Participants will receive LDRT and complete surveys about their pain levels and quality of life before and after treatment. These surveys help researchers understand the effectiveness of LDRT in managing osteoarthritis symptoms. The study will also monitor any side effects from the treatment.

  • Who can participate: Adults aged 40 years or older with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis are eligible. They must have not responded to other treatments like medications or physical therapy, must not be pregnant, and should not have had a joint replacement at the treatment site.
  • Study details: Participants will receive LDRT and complete surveys about their pain and quality of life before and after the therapy.
Updated on 03 Nov 2025. Study ID: RAON-IIR-LOW-DOSE-OSTEO, 28518
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Interested in the study?

This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Accepting Referrals by Invitation Only