New treatment at IU Health West helps relieve osteoarthritis pain

Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Metro Region

German Cruz found lasting relief from hip pain through low-dose radiation therapy, a new, noninvasive treatment option offered at IU Health West for patients with osteoarthritis.

When osteoarthritis in his right hip began interfering with his active lifestyle, German Cruz worried his next step might be surgery. Instead, a newer treatment available at IU Health West offered another option and delivered results beyond his expectations.

Today, Cruz is pain-free after undergoing low-dose radiation therapy, a noninvasive treatment for osteoarthritis that is gaining momentum in the United States.

"Before, my pain was a six or seven out of 10," Cruz says. "Now, I don't even think about my hip at all."

A New Option for Osteoarthritis Care

Low-dose radiation therapy can be an option for adults ages 40 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis who have not found sufficient relief through treatments such as medications, physical therapy or injections.

"It is a safe, noninvasive option for people living with osteoarthritis who have not found adequate relief from other treatments," says Dr. Arpan Prabhu, medical director of Radiation Medicine at IU Health West and an assistant professor of Radiation Medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine. "The treatment has been used in Europe for decades, and it's now gaining momentum in the United States."

IU Health West began offering this treatment in late 2025, so far treating patients with osteoarthritis of the hands, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles and feet.

Indiana's First Outcomes Tracking Program

Through his role at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Prabhu is leading Indiana's first clinical study tracking outcomes for patients who receive low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis.

"What makes our program unique is that we are the first location in Indiana to offer low-dose radiation therapy for arthritis while formally tracking patient outcomes over time," Dr. Prabhu says. "This combination of clinical care and structured research is not available anywhere else in the state."

The study will generate Indiana-specific data on how patients respond to the treatment and help expand understanding of its effectiveness closer to home.

From Cancer Treatment to Hip Pain Relief

For Cruz, the decision to pursue low-dose radiation therapy was rooted in trust.

Two years earlier, he received radiation treatment from Dr. Prabhu after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"He prescribed radiation treatment for my prostate, and after six weeks of treatments, the cancer was gone," Cruz says.

As discomfort in his hip steadily worsened, Cruz brought it up during a visit with Dr. Prabhu. The physician shared information about the low-dose radiation therapy program at IU Health West.

Cruz had heard of the treatment before through his brother, a physician who was familiar with its use in Europe. Concerned about undergoing hip surgery and eager to remain active, he felt the treatment aligned with his goals.

"I was skeptical about surgery and wanted to stay active," Cruz says. "This treatment let me avoid an artificial joint and still get my life back."

Getting Back to Life

In 2025, Cruz completed six sessions of low-dose radiation therapy. The improvement he experienced exceeded his expectations.

"The best part is that my hip no longer limits me," he says. "I can walk, travel and stay busy without that constant nagging pain."

He is now encouraging loved ones facing similar challenges to consider learning more about the treatment.

Beyond the physical results, Cruz is grateful for the care he received throughout the process.

"I was very impressed with Dr. Prabhu's level of knowledge and his understanding of people," Cruz says. "He's very kind and very serious about what he's doing."

Who May Benefit?

Patients ages 40 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis may be eligible if they have not improved after at least one prior therapy. Patients may self-refer for low-dose radiation therapy or be referred by their primary care provider, orthopedic surgeon, physical therapist, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist or another healthcare provider.

To learn more about radiation medicine services at IU Health West, click here.