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Sep 27
Education

EDU 10 - Communicating the Value and Risks of Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Benign Conditions: From Guidelines and Risk Models to Multidisciplinary Conversations with Patients and Referrers

05:00pm - 06:00pm ET
Nonmalignant Disease
Palliative Care

MODERATOR(S)

Dandan Zheng, PhD - University of Rochester

session DESCRIPTION

This educational session addresses a rapidly growing but often misunderstood area of clinical practice: the use of low-dose radiotherapy for benign conditions. As evidence from Europe and emerging U.S. studies demonstrates meaningful symptom relief with minimal risk, communication gaps remain a major barrier to multidisciplinary adoption. Leveraging the meeting theme, this session brings together international clinical experts, radiobiology and risk-modeling specialists, and U.S. practitioners to translate data into clear, actionable conversations with patients, referrers and health-system leaders. The first talk will provide an overview of benign-RT indications, guidelines, outcomes, and communication experience and strategies with patients and non-radiation clinicians, highlighting conditions commonly treated in Europe but less familiar in the U.S., such as osteoarthritis and enthesopathies. The second will synthesize radiation-risk evidence, low-dose radiobiology, and practical strategies for communicating risk and benefit in balanced, accessible terms. The final talk will share real-world U.S. implementation experience, including referral pathways, payer engagement and common challenges. Together, these complementary perspectives equip attendees with both the evidence base and the communication tools needed to responsibly expand access to effective, patient-centered low-dose radiotherapy for benign disease.

learning objectives

  1. Clearly summarize contemporary evidence, indications and guideline recommendations for low-dose radiotherapy in benign conditions and communicate these effectively to multidisciplinary partners.
  2. Understand the current data on radiation risk at low doses and apply practical, patient-centered communication strategies to explain benefits, uncertainties and risk-benefit balance to patients, referrers and payers.
  3. Gain actionable insights into implementing benign-RT programs in the U.S., including referral pathways, workflow considerations, and approaches to addressing common misconceptions or institutional barriers.

Credits

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits: 1.00

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