Radiation therapy (RT) is widely recognized for its role in treating cancers, but its potential extends to various non-malignant or benign conditions. Providers in radiation oncology at Northside Hospital, including Dr. Edmund Simon, Dr. Mudit Chowdhary and Dr. Nancy Wiggers, are at the forefront of utilizing this treatment to improve patients' lives.
RT for non-malignant conditions
Dr. Edmund Simon
Board-certified radiation oncologist and chair of Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology Program
Historically, RT has been used for select benign conditions, such as preventing skin keloids, managing benign brain tumors like meningiomas and schwannomas, and treating trigeminal neuralgia. However, advancements in the field have expanded its use to more common conditions, offering promising results.
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute’s Radiation Oncology Program has one of the busiest high-volume Gamma Knife® programs in the Southeast, in operation since 2015 and is utilized for the following relatively common benign brain conditions:
- Trigeminal neuralgia is a benign but often severe facial pain condition that can be effectively treated with a one-time high-dose precision Gamma Knife radiosurgery procedure, targeting the root entry zone near the brain stem of the trigeminal nerve, essentially lowering the nerve’s electrical hyperactivity and resulting in durable long-term pain relief.
- Meningiomas are common tumors arising from the meninges, the membrane lining the brain. Often, the tumors are in high-risk locations that can invade or cause pressure against critical structures. When surgery is not optimal, or if there is residual disease after a debulking procedure, Gamma Knife is used as a highly successful means of controlling the tumor with low risk of damaging adjacent tissue.
- Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors arising from the vestibular nerve sheath, often presenting with decreased hearing, tinnitus or vertigo. Gamma Knife can effectively be used as a non-invasive treatment alternative for small-to-medium-sized tumors while sparing hearing as much as possible and preventing damage to the facial nerve.
- Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) has emerged as an effective option for chronic joint osteoarthritis and hyperproliferative disorders like Dupuytren's disease and plantar fasciitis. These treatments are simple to deliver, have minimal side effects and provide excellent symptom relief. Recognizing the importance of these applications, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology is updating coding and reimbursement practices to make these therapies more widely available across clinics.
At Northside, RT is already used for osteoarthritis, Dupuytren's disease, postoperative keloid prevention and heterotopic ossification prevention, expanding access to these innovative treatments.
LDRT for osteoarthritis
Dr. Mudit Chowdhary
Board-certified radiation oncologist, Northside Hospital Cancer Institute
Northside Hospital introduced its LDRT program for osteoarthritis (OA) in 2023, establishing itself as one of the leading providers of this evidence-based treatment — in Atlanta and the surrounding region. Though new to the United States, LDRT has been used in Europe for over 30 years, with more than 10,000 patients treated annually in Germany.
OA affects more than 32 million adults in the U.S., primarily targeting the hands, hips and knees. Symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness and swelling significantly impact quality of life. LDRT offers a non-invasive solution, providing pain relief, improved mobility and reduced dependence on steroid injections. Treatments involve lower doses than cancer therapies and are completed in just a few office visits, with most patients experiencing improvement within weeks.
In addition to OA, LDRT is approved for treating other inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions, including plantar fasciitis, bursitis, Dupuytren’s contracture and Ledderhose disease. This therapy offers hope for millions of Americans suffering from chronic conditions that previously had limited treatment options.
Treating Dupuytren’s disease with RT
Dr. Nancy Wiggers
Board-certified radiation oncologist and medical director of the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology Program
Dupuytren’s contracture, or Dupuytren’s disease, is a condition affecting the fascia, the fibrous tissue beneath the skin in the palms and fingers. Over time, the fascia can thicken and tighten, forming nodules and cords that lead to contractures — where fingers are pulled toward the palm — interfering with hand function. While the disease is not life-threatening, it significantly impacts quality of life.
RT for Dupuytren’s disease is a non-surgical option that can stop the progression of the condition in its early stages. Using external beam radiation, doctors target the affected nodules and cords with low-energy electron beams over a five-day period. After a break of 8-12 weeks, treatment is repeated to maximize effectiveness.
RT works by reducing the growth rate of fibroblast cells responsible for the disease, softening nodules and preventing contractures. Research from Germany has shown that 84% of patients with early-stage Dupuytren’s disease saw no progression or improvement 10 years after radiation treatment. However, RT is most effective during the early nodular stage before significant contractures develop.
Surgical options or collagenase injections may be more appropriate for advanced cases with severe contractures. Patients are encouraged to work closely with their physicians to monitor symptoms and decide on the best treatment plan.
Radiation therapy continues to expand its reach, offering non-invasive and effective solutions for benign conditions like osteoarthritis and Dupuytren’s disease. With leaders like Northside Hospital driving innovation, patients can now access advanced treatments that significantly enhance their quality of life.
Learn more about radiation therapy at Northside Hospital.
