Cancer Care
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What Is Low-dose Radiotherapy?
Low-dose radiotherapy is a safe, noninvasive treatment for certain inflammatory conditions. It uses small amounts of radiation to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and swelling.
What Does Low-dose Radiotherapy Treat?
Low-dose radiotherapy is used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as
Who Is a Good Candidate for Low-Dose Radiotherapy?
Low-dose radiotherapy may be a good option for those who
- Have chronic pain
- Aren’t candidates for surgery
- Haven’t had success with other treatments
Active infections, recent radiation exposure, or certain underlying health conditions may make a patient ineligible for treatment.
Speak with your healthcare provider to see if low-dose radiotherapy is right for you.
Preparing for Treatment
Most people don’t need to do any special preparation for low-dose radiotherapy, such as fasting or lab tests. Patients can typically keep taking their regular medications unless their care team says otherwise.
What to Expect During Treatment
Low-dose radiotherapy is an outpatient procedure, with each session lasting only a few minutes. The treatment is painless. Patients are positioned so they’re comfortable, and we’re careful to protect body parts not involved in treatment.
Each round of treatment typically requires two to three sessions per week for multiple weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. Many patients may require multiple rounds of treatment.
After Treatment
Most patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and manage any potential side effects, though side effects are often minimal.
