Radiation Shrinks Rare Tumors, Offers New Hope

Radiation oncology, traditionally associated with cancer treatment, is now offering groundbreaking solutions for non-cancerous conditions. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is at the forefront, exploring radiation's potential to treat debilitating diseases like Ledderhose disease, a rare genetic condition causing fibrous tumors on the feet.

Judy Wood, a patient diagnosed with Ledderhose disease, experienced severe pain and feared losing her ability to walk. Her tumors, though non-cancerous, significantly impacted her quality of life, preventing activities like walking and dancing. A recommendation led her to Dr. Tyler Wilhite, a radiation oncologist at UPMC.

Dr. Wilhite explained that radiation therapy could effectively treat such debilitating conditions. Wood underwent 10 radiation treatments over three months, resulting in a significant reduction of her tumors and preventing new ones from developing. This successful treatment has allowed her to resume an active lifestyle.

The application of radiation therapy is also being investigated for arthritis, a condition affecting millions of Americans. The goal is to reduce inflammation, potentially alleviating pain and disability. This approach draws on over a century of research into low-dose radiation for osteoarthritis and other diseases.

While radiation therapy is available at all UPMC Hillman Cancer Center locations, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Patients are typically over 50 and have exhausted other treatment options for their pain. Although side effects like fatigue or skin reactions are possible, they are rare, and Wood reported only mild dryness.

UPMC Radiation Oncology accepts self-referrals for non-cancer treatments, encouraging individuals to inquire about their candidacy. For those seeking information on these innovative treatments, the UPMC Radiation Oncology team can be reached at 855-777-3228.