Far Rockaway gets low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis

Episcopal Health Services in Far Rockaway is now offering low dose radiotherapy (LDRT), using its new TrueBeam linear accelerator, which recently received FDA clearance to treat adults with medically refractory osteoarthritis.

The new RAPID Program (Radiation for Arthritis & Painful Inflammatory Disorders) is led by Mark Ashamalla, MD, chief of Radiation Oncology at EHS’ Walsh Ambulatory Pavilion.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the many tissues of the joint. It is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million adults in the US.

Unlike radiation used for cancer treatment, LDRT uses very low doses that work by reducing inflammation in the treated area. Each treatment is brief and usually delivered over several visits. Patients can return to normal activities and work immediately afterward as there is no recovery time required and side effects are rare.

“LDRT is an evidence-based treatment that is safe, effective, and non-invasive for inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the tendons, joints, and other soft tissues of the body,” said Dr. Ashmalla. “Studies show an 80% response rate with a patient achieving a steady state in terms of their pain and func5on.”

It has been used internationally for decades to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendon disorders. The Rapid Program is specifically designed to help patients over the age of 40 with conditions such as osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, hand, ankle, and other joints); plantar fasciitis; calcific tendonitis; tennis elbow; other tendon or ligament inflammation; dupuytren’s disease; as well as keloids and hypertrophic scars.

LDRT can be very helpful for patients who have not experienced relief from traditional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections and even weight loss management. It can also provide benefits for patients before considering joint replacement or other invasive procedures.

To schedule a consultation, visit ehs.org/rapid or call 718-869-7101.

Reported by EHS.