#343 – The evolving role of radiation: advancements in cancer treatment, emerging low-dose treatments for arthritis, tendonitis, and injuries, and addressing misconceptions | Sanjay Mehta, M.D. | The Peter Attia Drive | Podwise
#343 – The evolving role of radiation: advancements in cancer treatment, emerging low-dose treatments for arthritis, tendonitis, and injuries, and addressing misconceptions | Sanjay Mehta, M.D.
This episode explores the field of radiation oncology, its history, and misconceptions surrounding radiation exposure. Against the backdrop of Dr. Sanjay Mehta's 20+ years of experience as a radiation oncologist, the discussion delves into the evolution of breast cancer treatment, highlighting the shift from radical mastectomies to less invasive approaches. More significantly, the conversation addresses the use of low-dose radiation to treat inflammatory conditions and athletic injuries—a practice more common outside the U.S.—and the underlying science of radiation, including ionizing vs. non-ionizing radiation and its measurement in grays and millisieverts. For instance, the podcast details the application of low-dose radiation therapy for conditions like arthritis and tendonitis, along with a discussion of the linear no-threshold model and the potential for hormesis effects at low doses. The interview concludes with a discussion of the application of radiation therapy to prostate cancer and the use of advanced imaging techniques to improve treatment precision and patient outcomes. What this means for the future is a potential expansion of low-dose radiation therapy for various inflammatory conditions in the U.S., alongside ongoing research to refine radiation oncology techniques for cancer treatment.
