Media Advisory: Interviews available with Dr. Amir Lavaf, the Medical Director for Clinical Oncology Research Program at Desert Regional Medical Center upon request.

Palm Springs, CA – April 24, 2026 – Desert Regional Medical Center’s Comprehensive Cancer Center offers low-dose radiation as a non-invasive and effective treatment option for patients experiencing pain from knee and shoulder osteoarthritis, according to a new clinical trial. The center provides multidisciplinary, patient-centered cancer care, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, gynecologic oncology, and surgical consultations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 32.5 million adults in the United States are affected by Osteoarthritis (OA), a disease that breaks down the joints. Most commonly, osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knees, hands, hips, and back. i While there is no cure for OA, a new placebo-controlled clinical trial found that a single course of low-dose radiation therapy could offer a conservative way to manage symptoms.

While high doses of radiation are often used to kill cancer cells, a lower dose can offer an effective non-invasive alternative for patients.

“This is for patients with mild to moderate pain from osteoarthritis,” explained Dr. Amir Lavaf, the Medical Director for Clinical Oncology Research Program at Desert Regional Medical Center. “Low-dose radiation can stop the pro-inflammatory phase of the disease, which can lead to destruction of the cartilage in the joint and can lead to reductions in pain.”

Dr. Lavaf stated that the best candidates for low-dose radiation are patients who are at least 60 years old, have exhausted the use of pain medication, but are not ready for a joint replacement. Patients who receive low-dose radiation have reported a significant reduction in their pain, generally dropping their pain score from 7 to 4 out of 10.

“This treatment approach is meant to act as an anti-inflammatory, not a cure. It has been widely used in Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, but there is growing interest in the United States,” said Dr. Lavaf. “The same equipment that is used to treat cancers is used for the treatment, but instead of a 200 centigray (cGy) dose that is given to cancer patients, OA patients are given a concentrated dose of 50 cGy once every other day for about 15 minutes over the course of two weeks; the treatment can be repeated as needed if the patient experiences increased pain in the future.”

Currently, the Comprehensive Cancer Center offers low-dose radiation treatment for knees and shoulders and will soon be able to treat hands as well. Patients interested in exploring low-dose radiation to treat OA should reach out and schedule a consultation to see if this treatment is right for them.

To learn more about Desert Regional Medical Center’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit https://www.desertcarenetwork.com/services/oncology.

About the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center

The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center offers some of the latest therapeutic options, such as drug delivery techniques, biologic response modifiers and immunotherapy. With a team of experienced healthcare providers dedicated to your care, Desert Care Network’s Cancer Center has more than 35 years of experience providing multidisciplinary outpatient cancer care in the Greater Palm Springs region. Our teams offer integrative, patient-centered care that includes screening, diagnosis, cancer treatment, support, and follow-up – all within a single program. The Comprehensive Cancer Center has two locations – in Palm Springs and La Quinta – to support you through every step of your journey, while staying close to home here in the Coachella Valley.