Ultra-Low-Dose Radiation Eases Myeloma Bone Pain
A phase 2 clinical trial has shown that ultra-low-dose radiation therapy effectively relieves bone pain in multiple myeloma patients. The treatment is brief, has minimal side effects, and allows patients to manage pain without interfering with other systemic therapies.
Why it matters
This approach could improve the quality of life for cancer patients by providing a low-intensity, highly effective pain management option.
BOSTON, September 27, 2026 - A short course of ultra-low-dose radiation therapy relieved painful bone lesions from multiple myeloma for most patients in a multi-institutional phase 2 clinical trial. The findings suggest that a lower-intensity approach could help ease patients' pain without interrupting other treatment and with almost no side effects.
The study found that a very low dose of radiation therapy, delivered in one or two treatments, produced pain responses that persisted over time and provided sufficient relief for most patients, with 81% achieving pain control without additional radiation. Treatment side effects were limited to low-grade fatigue. Results will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting .
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