Work

Low-Dose External Beam Radiation Therapy and Painful Hip Due to Coxarthrosis and Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Predictive Impact of Diagnosis, Target Volume Definition, and Season of Treatment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose Coxarthrosis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) are common etiologies of hip pain. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the treatment response within the 3 to 12 months of low-dose external beam radiotherapy (LD-EBRT) for coxarthrosis and GTPS along with potential predictive factors. Methods and Materials We evaluated data from of patients who were treated with radiotherapy for GTPS or coxarthrosis at our Radiation Centers between 2014 and 2024. In addition, all planning CT scans were analyzed according to the Kellgren–Lawrence score. Subsequent univariate and multivariate analyses of the data were performed. Results The clinical response rate (ORR) was approximately 64% in GTPS and 58% in coxarthrosis. Approximately 20% of the patients received a second series of LD-EBRT, and approximately 5% a third. In multivariate regression analyses of coxarthrosis, factors negatively correlated with ORR were an initial increase in pain, age ≥ 70 years, and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25. The outcome was independent of symptom duration, LD-EBRT season, and planning target volume. In GTPS, symptom duration> 12 months, initial pain increase, and prior hip prosthesis were negatively correlated with ORR. No dependence on the LD-EBRT season or on the definition of the planning target volume was observed. Conclusions LD- EBRT may be an effective treatment option for GTPS and coxarthrosis. Early application of this therapy option appears to alleviate symptoms, regardless of season or planning target volume.

Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2025.11.051