A randomized study examining low-dose radiotherapy as a potential treatment for knee osteoarthritis will be presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) 2026 Annual Meeting, adding important new evidence to the growing scientific conversation around functional radiotherapy.
The presentation, “Randomized Trial of Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: Patient-Reported, Structural and Long-Term Clinical Endpoints,” will be delivered by Nagendra “Bobby” Koneru, M.D., FASTRO, of MercyOne Cancer Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
The study has been selected as one of nine featured in ASTRO’s 2026 press program. Dr. Koneru will also participate in a press briefing for journalists during the meeting, providing an opportunity for healthcare and consumer media to learn more about the research and its potential significance.
An Important Scientific Conversation
Knee osteoarthritis affects millions of people and can significantly limit mobility, independence and quality of life. Although patients may have access to medications, injections, physical therapy and surgical interventions, there remains a need to explore additional evidence-based options—particularly for individuals who continue to experience pain or are not ready for surgery.
Low-dose radiotherapy, or LDRT, is a nonsurgical treatment being studied for its potential to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. While the treatment has been used for benign inflammatory and degenerative conditions in parts of Europe for decades, awareness and clinical adoption in the United States remain limited.
Research presented at scientific meetings such as ASTRO plays a critical role in evaluating emerging and established treatment approaches. Randomized trials can help physicians, patients and healthcare organizations better understand a treatment’s potential benefits, limitations and appropriate role in care.
The study’s detailed findings have not yet been publicly announced. Once ASTRO authorizes their release, the research will be available to review publicly.
