Conditions We Treat
WHAT IS LDRT?
Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) is a well-established treatment used internationally for symptomatic osteoarthritis.
It delivers very small doses of radiation to the affected joint to reduce inflammation and pain.
WHO MAY BENEFIT?
– Symptomatic osteoarthritis confirmed on imaging
– Persistent pain despite conservative management
– Poor candidates for surgery or long-term NSAID/COX-2 inhibitor use
– Patients seeking a non-invasive treatment option
Best responses are often seen earlier in the disease course.
TREATABLE JOINTS
– Hands
– Shoulders
– Elbows
– Hips
– Knees
TREATMENT OVERVIEW
– Initial consultation with a Radiation Oncologist
– Prior joint imaging recommended before consultation
– Typical course: 6 treatments delivered twice weekly (e.g., Mon/Thu or Tue/Fri)
– Each visit lasts approximately 15–20 minutes
– Separate planning (“mapping”) session prior to treatment
EFFECTIVENESS
– Most patients experience meaningful pain reduction
– Among responders, most maintain benefit for up to 2 years
– Treatment may be repeated if symptoms recur and clinically appropriate
SAFETY & SIDE EFFECTS
– Temporary skin irritation over the treated area
– Transient increase in joint discomfort
– Very rare late-term secondary malignancy risk
Overall, LDRT is low-risk and generally well tolerated.
FOLLOW-UP
Patients should follow up with their referring or treating physician 8–12 weeks after completion to assess response and determine whether additional treatment is indicated.
WHY REFER FOR LDRT?
– Non-invasive
– Low toxicity
– Cost-effective compared with prolonged medication use or surgery
– Option for patients with limited therapeutic alternatives
REFERRALS
Please refer patients for Radiation Oncology consultation to determine candidacy and coordinate imaging and insurance authorization. For questions or to discuss a specific patient, please contact our Radiation Oncology team.
Placing an OA referral in Epic:
– Referral type: Referral to Radiation Oncology (REF95)
– Department: Either RAD ONC MZ DIVIS BASEMENT (Mount Zion) or RAD ONC PARN (Parnassus) or RAD ONC BOPC
(Berkeley outpatient center)
– Diagnosis: Include joint and laterality
– Reason for referral: Please mention that this is for Osteoarthritis treatment
– Department contact: Krshna Munoz (New Patient Coordinator) can be reached at 415-353-9807 or Krshna.Munoz@ucsf.edu
– CPT code for authorization purposes: 99205
DEPARTMENT CONTACT
Krshna Munoz, New Patient Coordinator
415-353-9807
Krshna.Munoz@ucsf.edu
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