What Is Arthritis Radiation Therapy?
Arthritis radiation therapy uses ultra-low doses of radiation to reduce inflammation in the joints and relieve chronic pain. At Premier Cancer Center in Clearwater, FL, Dr. Taghrid Altoos and Dr. Eric Brooks offer this treatment to carefully selected patients whose arthritis continues to cause discomfort despite medications, injections, or physical therapy. While radiation is most often used for cancer, it has a long, evidence-supported history in treating non-cancerous conditions, like osteoarthritis. At Premier Cancer Center, it is used selectively, ethically, and only when medically appropriate.
How Is Arthritis Radiation Therapy Performed?
This treatment involves delivering a total of three gray (Gy) of radiation over six brief sessions, typically completed in 1 – 2 weeks. Using the same precision systems trusted for cancer care, our team targets the affected joints, such as the knees, hands, feet, or shoulders, with exceptionally low doses that carry minimal risk, especially for patients over 60. Radiation works by calming the immune activity that is causing chronic inflammation. At Premier Cancer Center, we evaluate each case individually and coordinate with your rheumatologist, orthopedic specialist, or primary care provider to ensure the best course of action.
What Are the Benefits of Arthritis Radiation Therapy?
This treatment is not for everyone, but when appropriate, it can offer meaningful relief. Benefits may include:
- Reduced joint pain and stiffness
- Improved mobility and function
- Nonsurgical and comfortable treatment
- Minimal to no side effects
- Quick sessions with no downtime
- May reduce reliance on long-term medications
- Supported by ASTRO, DEGRO, and the Cleveland Clinic guidance
- Success rates up to 75% in properly selected patients
Our physicians follow a conservative model, recommending radiation only after other options have been exhausted and when the benefit clearly outweighs any risk.
Premier Cancer Center Reviews
Dr. Brooks and entire Premier Team were extraordinary. Very professional, courteous, and explained the procedures completely.Thank you for your service.
Dr. Altoos and the entire staff were wonderful. They made a difficult situation easier and less scary. They also were able to work around my schedule so I could get my treatments without upending my entire day. I would highly recommend this practice!
Dr. Altoos is a wonderful caring physician. She answers all questions and inquiries or concerns with ease and great explanations. She's a lovely kind woman. Thank you to all the staff and therapists that made my treatments twice a day not unpleasant experience . I'm grateful that I live close which made it very convenient for me to come there twice a day. Thank You to each of you. Renee H.
Received excellent care when I attended treatments. It was a scary time, but I survived the treatments. Couldn't have chosen a better place. Thank all of you for the care given me.
Amazing Doctor! Extremely caring and knowledgeable. Very friendly staff ! I highly recommend Dr. Brooks!
128
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Relief for Aging Joints
At Premier Cancer Center, we believe in using radiation therapy responsibly. Dr. Altoos and Dr. Brooks draw on training from MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to provide ethically grounded care with a focus on safety, precision, and long-term results. If you're over 70 and living with arthritis pain that has not responded to other treatments, contact our Clearwater, FL office to learn whether radiation therapy could be a safe next step for you.