Specialties: Cancer counseling for various types of tumors, radiotherapy and palliative care, guided spiral knife, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), prostate cancer, bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma, brain tumor, bone metastasis, brain metastasis, postoperative radiotherapy for keloids, and osteoarthritis.

Joint Pain: A Warning Sign and a Vicious Cycle

     With increasing life expectancy, osteoarthritis has become a common condition affecting the quality of life among middle-aged and older adults. The core problem lies in the chronic inflammatory response triggered by cartilage degeneration, leading to persistent swelling, stiffness, and pain that significantly limit mobility.

      However, traditional treatments often reach a bottleneck. Long-term use of oral medications (such as NSAIDs) carries risks of side effects; intra-articular injections offer only temporary relief and may accelerate cartilage wear if steroids are used repeatedly; joint replacement surgery is effective but invasive, and some patients are not suitable candidates. At this therapeutic gap, low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT)—a non-invasive treatment targeting the source of inflammation—has gained significant attention in the international medical community.

The Science Behind LDRT: Modulating Inflammation Rather Than Killing Cells

      When applied to osteoarthritis, the purpose of LDRT is functional regulation, not tissue destruction. Unlike the 60–80 Gy typically used in cancer radiotherapy, the total dose for LDRT is only about 3 Gy, representing a tiny fraction of cancer-treatment doses. This makes LDRT a highly safe treatment without structural cell damage or typical high-dose skin reactions.

      LDRT works by suppressing the proliferation and activity of overly activated inflammatory cells in the joint space—such as macrophages and lymphocytes—and by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. By rebalancing the abnormal inflammatory environment, LDRT shifts the joint condition from ongoing destruction to calm stability, thereby reducing swelling and pain and providing long-lasting relief.

A Precise and Standardized Treatment Process

     LDRT is a highly standardized outpatient treatment—fast, painless, and with no impact on daily life. The process consists of a clinical evaluation, followed by CT-based simulation using immobilization devices, and the creation of a treatment plan that precisely targets the inflamed region. Treatment is administered three times per week for a total of six sessions and is typically completed within two weeks.

International Evidence and Implementation at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital

     LDRT’s clinical effectiveness is well established. The German Society for Radiation Oncology recognizes LDRT as a standard option for mild to moderate osteoarthritis and specifies a safe dose range of 3.0 to 6.0 Gy. The Korean LoRD-KNeA clinical trial further confirmed its efficacy: patients receiving 3 Gy achieved a 70% pain response rate at four months—significantly higher than the control group. These international studies verify LDRT’s low risk and substantial benefit.

      At Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, the Radiation Oncology Department has incorporated LDRT based on the latest research and guidelines. Our clinical experience shows that, under rigorous treatment standards (Table 1), patients experience approximately 70% improvement in pain scores, with no significant side effects—closely mirroring the results of large international trials.

Table 1. Recommended Eligibility Criteria for LDRT in Osteoarthritis

A Commitment to Efficacy and Safety

      Studies show LDRT provides an effective response in roughly 70% of patients, with benefits typically lasting six months or longer. Short-term side effects are rare and mild. Most importantly, long-term data confirm no increased risk of secondary cancer when using the recommended very low doses. For older adults (especially those with multiple comorbidities who are poor surgical candidates), the benefits far outweigh the minimal theoretical risks.

      We encourage patients suffering from chronic joint pain who have not responded well to conventional treatments to consult the Radiation Oncology Division at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital. Together, we can evaluate whether LDRT may help you regain long-lasting inflammatory control and enjoy the freedom of movement again.

Diagram of osteoarthritis

Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) procedure