Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 39 and up

Using low-dose radiation to treat osteoarthritis

Official title: Investigation of the Clinical Efficacy of Low-dose Ionizing Radiation in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Run by University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · NCT05887284 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if low-dose radiation therapy can help people with osteoarthritis feel less pain compared to a placebo treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages39 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment132 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Erlangen, Bavaria)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 1, 2023
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2028
Registry record updatedFebruary 13, 2024
Trial IDNCT05887284 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis in specific joints who have not previously received low-dose radiation therapy.

Probably not a fit

Patients with tumor diseases or those who are unable to adhere to contraceptive measures during therapy may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) in treating osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint condition. It is a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial that includes patients with newly diagnosed or existing arthrosis in various joints such as fingers, wrists, and knees. Participants will receive either LDRT or a placebo treatment, and their pain relief will be assessed using a visual analog scale, alongside monitoring immunological changes. The goal is to provide evidence for the clinical benefits of LDRT compared to standard therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a new, effective option for pain relief in osteoarthritis patients who do not respond well to conventional therapies.

How similar studies have gone: While there is limited evidence from previous studies on the effectiveness of low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis, this trial aims to fill a gap in the existing research.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed osteoarthritis according to ACR criteria (exclusion of other other arthritides and chronic rheumatoid arthritis via laboratory tests):

  * Finger and wrist osteoarthritis
  * Elbow arthrosis
  * Shoulder arthrosis
  * Knee arthrosis
  * Ankle and foot joint arthrosis
* First time application of low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) of the affected joint.
* Willingness to cooperate and accessibility of the patients (geographical proximity) for treatment and Follow-up care

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with tumor diseases
* People capable of childbearing or procreation who do not take consistent contraceptive measures during therapy
* Persistent drug, medication or alcohol abuse
* Patients for whom, in the physician's judgment, participation is not justifiable with regard to their well-being due to temporary withdrawal of standard medication.
* Patients in whom the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the affected joint cannot be made without doubt. To establish the diagnosis, the guidelines of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) are followed.
* Earlier radiation therapy for treatment of cancer

Where it's running

  • Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen
    Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Benjamin Frey, PD Dr.-Ing. — Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Uniklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
  • Study coordinator: Benjamin Frey, PD Dr.-Ing.
  • Email: benjamin.frey@uk-erlangen.de
  • Phone: +49 9131 85

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.