UPMC Offers New Non-Invasive Pain Relief Option for Osteoarthritis and Inflammatory Disorders

June 3, 2024

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Individuals in north central Pennsylvania with osteoarthritis and other inflammatory disorders now have a new option for managing their condition and pain: low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 1100 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoarthritis affects over 32.5 million adults in the U.S., and it is the second leading cause of disability. It occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees and is a slow-developing degenerative disease that worsens over time. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling resulting in reduced mobility and disability.

“Individuals with osteoarthritis live with pain every day, and since there is no cure, it’s something they will be managing their whole lives,” said Whoon Jong Kil, M.D., radiation oncologist, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “LDRT is common in other parts of the world, but not in the U.S. As more individuals are living with this debilitating disease, we’re seeing a resurgence of interest in adding the therapy to treatment plans along with physical therapy, steroid injection treatment, and bracing. It is painless and non-invasive, and many individuals experience relief within two weeks of treatment. It will be a viable life-changing option for many, and we are excited to bring it to the region.”

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Williamsport is among the first in the region to offer this evidence-based procedure. LDRT has a strong anti-inflammatory effect shown to relieve pain, reduce the need for steroid injections, and improve mobility in individuals with inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis. The radiation doses used are much lower than those used for treating cancer and treatment can typically be completed in six to eight office visits. Most patients experience symptomatic improvement within the first few weeks of treatment and side effects from LDRT are very uncommon.

For more information on low-dose radiation therapy at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Williamsport, call 570-326-8203 or visit UPMC.com/CancerNCPA.