The shoulder is one of the joints with the strongest LDRT evidence after the knee and hip, per the 2026 ARS Appropriate Use Criteria. The overall response rate across published LDRT data is 60–90%.
The humeral head contains approximately 1–2% of total body red bone marrow. The ARS AUC estimates an additional secondary malignancy risk of approximately 0.06% when 2% of total body marrow is irradiated at 3 Gy. Zwicker et al. retrospective data: younger women receiving shoulder radiotherapy for non-malignant disorders showed no higher breast cancer risk than matched controls.
Typical dosing: 3 Gy total in 6 fractions of 0.5 Gy each. See radiation safety page, candidacy criteria, and find a provider.
Medically reviewed by: Robert Warren Floyd, M.D., Ph.D. — Resident Physician, Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Last reviewed: August 2, 2026. Independent personal project — not affiliated with or endorsed by MD Anderson Cancer Center. Funding & independence disclosure.