Longevity & AgingUltralow-Dose Radiation Relieves Myeloma Bone Pain and Keeps Marrow Intact
A prospective phase II trial tested ultralow-dose radiation therapy — either a single 4-Gy dose or two 2-Gy doses — for bone pain caused by multiple myeloma. Standard palliative radiation typically delivers 30 Gy across 10 fractions. The new approach achieved a 67% pain response rate at 4 weeks, climbing to 86% at 6 months. Crucially, bone marrow was not damaged, allowing patients to continue chemotherapy, maintain blood counts, and remain eligible for transplant or CAR T-cell therapy. Adverse events were minor and infrequent. Only 19% of patients needed a second radiation course. Researchers presented these findings at the ASTRO annual meeting, suggesting the approach is ready for clinical practice with appropriate patient counseling.
