Radiation is a highly effective treatment, but like any powerful therapy, it can sometimes have side effects. At Premier, we believe in using radiotherapy primarily for cancer treatment, and we approach its use for non-cancerous (benign) conditions with careful consideration and selectivity.
Our doctors have received training at world-renowned cancer centers such as MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. These top institutions are known for their measured and thoughtful application of radiotherapy, particularly for benign conditions. We share this philosophy, believing that radiotherapy should only be used when absolutely necessary and appropriate.
That being said, radiation therapy has a long history of successfully treating certain benign conditions, providing significant relief to many patients.
At Premier, we offer one of the most trusted, ethically-minded, and carefully regulated arthritis and benign disease program in the region that has helped numerous individuals in the Tampa and Clearwater community.
As such, any treatment is delivered with your health and safety as our top priority.
Arthritis
Arthritis, whether osteoarthritis or rheumatoid, can be effectively treated with ultra-low dose radiation (3-6Gy), a method that has been successfully used in Europe for decades. Supported by leading organizations like the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), DEGRO, and Cleveland Clinic, this approach offers an excellent option for patients who have not found relief from other treatments and whose arthritis continues to impact their quality of life.
In the U.S., only about 10-20% of radiation oncologists use radiation for non-cancerous conditions like arthritis, often due to the concern of using such a powerful tool for non-life-threatening diseases. This is quite different from Europe, where up to 80% of radiation oncologists treat benign conditions like arthritis with radiation.
We take a holistic approach to patient care, ensuring appropriate referrals to primary care, physical and occupational therapy, rheumatology (in cases of autoimmune disease), and orthopedics for potential steroid injections or even joint modifications.
With such low doses of radiation, treatment is completed in just 1-2 weeks, with minimal to no side effects. The risk of serious side effects is extremely low in patients over 70—only 1 in 3,000-4,000 will experience any serious events, or about 0.03%, making this a highly safe and tolerated treatment. For these reasons, we typically recommend radiotherapy for patients over 70 who have exhausted other options.
At Premier, we prefer the 3Gy in 6 treatment sessions approach, as it has been shown to be highly effective, with up to 75% of patients reporting significant reductions in arthritic pain. This makes it a promising option for those struggling with arthritis.
Resources on Radiation for Arthritis
- The Use of Low-Dose Radiation Therapy in Osteoarthritis: A Review
- ArthroRad trial: multicentric prospective and randomized single-blinded trial on the effect of low-dose radiotherapy for painful osteoarthritis depending on the dose—results after 3 months’ follow-up
- DEGRO practical guidelines for radiotherapy of non-malignant disorders: Part I: physical principles, radiobiological mechanisms, and radiogenic risk
- DEGRO guidelines for the radiotherapy of non-malignant disorders. Part II: Painful degenerative skeletal disorders
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Radiation treatment can be highly effective for patients suffering from Dupuytren’s Contracture, which affects the hands, feet, or other extremities. While about 1-2% of the population experiences some form of Dupuytren’s, not all cases require treatment. For early-stage cases where symptoms are impacting or about to impact function, radiation therapy—typically 30Gy in 10 treatments—can help soften and flatten the cords or nodules and alleviate pain.
At Premier, we usually divide the treatment into two phases: half is given over one week, followed by an 8-12 week break before completing the second half. This approach allows us to monitor your response and apply a second “hit” to the immune cells responsible for the abnormal scar tissue. The split course technique has shown the best results in clinical studies, making it our preferred method.
Radiation therapy for Dupuytren’s has a 70-85% success rate in reducing pain, softening scar tissue, and improving hand function in appropriately selected patients. However, it is less effective for larger nodules, extensive disease, or severe contractures. In these cases, surgery or collagenase injections are often recommended first, with radiation used afterward to prevent recurrence. Premier physicians collaborate with orthopedic or plastic surgeons when an intervention is needed prior to radiation.
We also take pride in recommending alternative treatments when they are better suited for your specific condition. Non-radiation options such as collagenase, surgery, steroid or interferon injections, or vitamin E treatment may be more appropriate depending on your disease’s location and severity. Your Premier doctor will work with you to determine the best approach for your Dupuytren’s management.