Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Thumb Arthritis (CMC Joint)

Name: Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Thumb Arthritis
Creator: Robert Warren Floyd, M.D., Ph.D.
Published: 2025-09-01

Thumb base osteoarthritis (trapeziometacarpal arthrosis) interferes with pinch grip and fine motor tasks. LDRT is an established non-surgical option for this indication in European practice.

Evidence

Hermann et al.: 25 patients, prospective; improvement in function and VAS pain score in trapeziometacarpal arthrosis.
Alvarez et al.: 40 thumb OA patients within a 100-patient prospective series; VAS fell from 8 before treatment to 3 at 12 months; 70% functional improvement.

The 2026 ARS AUC includes a bilateral thumb CMC treatment planning example: both 0.5 Gy/fraction and 1.0 Gy/fraction are acceptable. The field should cover the whole involved joint capsule. No data currently predicts whether erosive hand OA or synovitis affects response.

See 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.