MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center CME Program Highlights an Emerging Nonsurgical Approach to Managing Osteoarthritis Pain
May 2026
Memorial Radiation Oncology Medical Group (MROMG) was proud to participate in an educational presentation exploring an emerging application of radiation therapy beyond cancer treatment.
On May 21, 2026, Dr. Randy Wei, radiation oncologist, and Dr. Ana Maheshwari, rheumatologist, presented “Low-Dose Radiation Therapy in Osteoarthritis” as part of the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Grand Rounds program at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.
The one-hour educational program brought together the perspectives of radiation oncology and rheumatology to examine the potential role of low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) in treating osteoarthritis, a common cause of chronic joint pain and disability.
The presentation reflected a shared commitment to exploring new treatment options, reviewing emerging medical evidence, and improving quality of life for patients living with chronic joint pain.
Exploring a New Role for Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is widely recognized as an effective treatment for many types of cancer. However, very low doses of radiation have also been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects.
Unlike cancer radiation treatments, which typically use much higher doses to destroy tumor cells, low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis uses a small fraction of those doses.
Researchers have investigated whether these low doses may help reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain.
For patients who continue to experience symptoms despite medications, physical therapy, injections, and other conservative measures, LDRT has attracted growing interest as a possible nonsurgical treatment option.
Although low-dose radiation has been used for certain benign inflammatory conditions in parts of Europe for decades, its role in treating osteoarthritis in the United States remains an area of active research.
Combining Expertise From Rheumatology and Radiation Oncology
A key strength of the May 21 presentation was the collaboration between two medical specialties.
Dr. Ana Maheshwari, a rheumatologist, brought expertise in osteoarthritis, chronic joint disease, and the challenges patients face when managing persistent pain and limited mobility.
Dr. Randy Wei, a radiation oncologist with Memorial Radiation Oncology Medical Group, discussed the scientific basis and potential clinical applications of low-dose radiation therapy.
The program explored how LDRT might fit within a broader approach to osteoarthritis care, including the importance of appropriate patient selection, reviewing clinical evidence, and balancing potential benefits with treatment risks.
This collaboration highlighted the value of bringing specialists together to evaluate promising approaches to complex medical problems.
What Does the Research Show?
Clinical studies have examined low-dose radiation therapy for painful osteoarthritis involving joints such as the hands and knees.
Some studies have reported improvements in pain and physical function following treatment. However, results across studies have been mixed, and the quality of evidence varies.
Important questions remain regarding which patients are most likely to benefit, how long symptom relief may last, and how LDRT compares with established treatments.
Long-term safety must also be considered because even low doses of radiation carry potential risks.
For these reasons, low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis is not currently a routine standard treatment in the United States.
The May 21 educational program provided an opportunity for physicians to examine the available evidence and better understand the potential benefits, limitations, and unanswered questions surrounding this approach.
Advancing Physician Education and Patient Care
Continuing medical education plays an essential role in keeping physicians informed about developments that may affect patient care.
By presenting this topic at Orange Coast Medical Center, Dr. Wei and Dr. Maheshwari helped encourage discussion across medical specialties about emerging approaches to chronic joint pain.
The program also demonstrated how radiation oncology continues to evolve beyond its traditional role in cancer treatment.
At Memorial Radiation Oncology Medical Group, our physicians remain committed to evidence-based medicine, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the careful evaluation of new technologies and treatment techniques.
Our goal is to ensure that patients have access to thoughtful, personalized care informed by current medical research.
Looking Toward the Future
Osteoarthritis affects millions of Americans and can significantly limit mobility, independence, and quality of life.
As research continues, low-dose radiation therapy may become an additional option for selected patients who have not found adequate relief with conventional treatments.
The May 21 CME presentation represented an important opportunity to share medical knowledge, promote collaboration, and explore how emerging research might shape future treatment options.
Memorial Radiation Oncology Medical Group is proud of Dr. Wei’s contribution to physician education and his collaboration with Dr. Maheshwari in exploring innovative approaches to improving patient care.
We look forward to continued advances in radiation medicine and to helping bring promising, evidence-based treatments to the communities we serve.
About Memorial Radiation Oncology Medical Group
Memorial Radiation Oncology Medical Group provides comprehensive radiation oncology services to patients throughout Long Beach, Orange County, and surrounding Southern California communities. Our physicians are dedicated to advancing patient care through modern radiation technology, clinical education, and compassionate, individualized treatment.
