Radiation Phobia…we seem to have it!!

The Drive, Peter Attia, MD.  Episode #343  (Edited Trascript)

“The evolving role of radiation: Advancements in cancer treatment, emerging low-dose treatments for arthritis, tendonitis, and injuries, and addressing misconceptions.”

Link to Podcast:  https://peterattiamd.com/sanjaymehta/   

(Please visit and listen - I mean, come on, you’re bored in the car anyway!!)

This conversation touches on several interesting themes related to the use of radiation in medicine, particularly its application for treating chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis and tendonitis. Here’s a summary of the key points:

Historical Context and Radiophobia

1. Origins of Radiophobia:

   • Radiophobia in the U.S. stems largely from historical events, including nuclear accidents, the Cold War era, and the aftermath of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which contributed to public fear around radiation.
   • Early use of radiation was prevalent, with applications in various products and therapies (e.g., radium in treatments, suntan lotions).

2. Radium Dial Workers:

   • The Radium Girls, women who painted watch dials with radioluminescent paint, suffered health issues due to radium exposure, which became iconic representations of the dangers of radiation.
   • While there were serious cases, the actual incidence of severe outcomes was lower than perceived—only about 50 out of 1,500 reported toxic sequelae.

Therapeutic Applications of Radiation

1. Current Use in Europe:

   • In contrast to the U.S., countries like Germany and the UK utilize low-dose radiation routinely for treating conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis, having established protocols for this use.
   • These treatments are effective for various chronic inflammatory conditions, with treatment protocols typically involving five to six fractions of low-dose radiation.

2. Dosage and Administration:

   • Typical doses for treating conditions like tendonitis range around 0.5 gray per treatment, totaling about 3 gray over several sessions.
   • Radiation therapy typically yields an anti-inflammatory effect comparable to cortisone injections without the invasive nature of multiple injections.

Research and Efficacy

1. Efficacy and Patient Outcomes:

   • Studies and clinical experiences indicate a success rate of 60-90% in alleviating pain from chronic conditions like tendonitis and arthritis.
   • Results often appear rapidly, sometimes within a week of treatment.

2. Radiation in Other Uses:

   • Radiation therapy has shown efficacy in treating conditions such as Dupuytren’s contracture, keloids, and even for patients suffering from chronic skin issues.
   • Treatment often requires a multi-faceted approach, including surgical resection followed by immediate radiation to prevent recurrence of fibrotic tissue.

Shift in Perceptions

1. Changing Attitudes:

   • The conversation suggests a need for broader acceptance and understanding of radiation therapy as a treatment modality, especially considering its overblown stigmatization in the U.S.
   • Peter emphasizes the importance of educating patients and medical providers about the advantages of radiation therapy for conditions that are often poorly managed.

2. Policy and Insurance Coverage:

   • The discussion mentions that many insurance companies, including Medicare, cover these treatments, highlighting an opportunity for more patients to benefit from low-dose radiation therapy if they are informed about the option.

Summary

Overall, the dialogue reveals critical insights into the historical context of radiation use, the modern therapeutic applications that contrast with radiophobia, and the efficacy of low-dose radiation in treating various chronic inflammatory conditions. It underscores the necessity to reconsider long-standing beliefs around radiation and to promote its acceptance based on emerging evidence in clinical practice.

Full episode link - again is:

https://peterattiamd.com/sanjaymehta/ 

Thank you for reading…Jonathan

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