Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Proves Effectiveness of Low-Dose Radiation for Knee Osteoarthritis in Korea’s First Clinical Study

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Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power has simultaneously demonstrated pain relief and functional improvement in a clinical trial using low-dose radiation for the treatment of degenerative knee osteoarthritis. This marks the first such clinical study in Korea to use radiation for knee osteoarthritis treatment, and is notable for being the world’s largest prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) of its kind, involving 114 participants in both the treatment and control groups.

According to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power on October 21, 2025, the company has been conducting joint research since 2022 with Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital, and Samsung Medical Center. The study targeted 114 patients with knee osteoarthritis who did not respond to conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), administering low-dose radiation therapy and tracking changes in pain, blood tests, and imaging results over a 12-month period to monitor disease progression.

The clinical trial utilized a linear accelerator typically used for cancer treatment, but administered a much lower dose of 0.05 Gy or 0.5 Gy-significantly less than the amount used for cancer-delivered in six sessions over three weeks. The research team also monitored participants for side effects over the 12 months following treatment.

The results showed that the radiation therapy group experienced significantly greater pain relief and improvement in joint function compared to the control group, with these effects lasting up to eight months. No side effects related to radiation therapy were observed during the 12-month follow-up, confirming both the efficacy and safety of the treatment.

Degenerative osteoarthritis is a common condition affecting approximately 38% of the population aged 65 and older. It is a representative degenerative disease with limited response to medication, and in severe cases, invasive treatments such as joint replacement surgery may be required. While countries like Germany have already adopted radiation therapy for arthritis treatment, most previous studies have been retrospective in nature.

This study by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power stands out as a prospective randomized controlled trial that objectively demonstrated not only pain relief but also functional improvement, distinguishing it from previous research.

In particular, the study is being recognized for offering a new treatment alternative to patients who do not respond to conventional drug therapy, as it provides long-term improvement through a short-term, non-invasive procedure. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power expects that these results will accelerate the adoption of radiation therapy for benign diseases in the future.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power has continued to research the effects of low-dose radiation on the human body, publishing numerous SCI-grade papers demonstrating that low doses, unlike high doses, can have positive biological effects. Additionally, animal experiments have confirmed significant therapeutic effects for rheumatoid arthritis as well.

Lee Bongsoo, Director of the Radiation Health Institute at Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, stated, "This study is an example of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power going beyond its role as a traditional energy public corporation to use its accumulated radiation technology to enhance public welfare. We will continue to apply the biological effects of low-dose radiation in the medical field to help improve the quality of life for the public."

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