#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.
Apr 7, 2025
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Sanjay Mehta, a seasoned radiation oncologist with over 20 years of experience at St. Joseph's Medical Center, delves into the fascinating world of radiation therapy. He discusses groundbreaking advancements that target cancer while sparing healthy tissues. Mehta also unveils the promising role of low-dose radiation for treating arthritis and sports injuries, challenging misconceptions about radiation safety. To lighten the mood, he shares a fun conversation about cars with Peter, connecting their mutual passion for speed and engineering.
Dr. Sanjay Mehta emphasizes the evolving precision of radiation technology, significantly enhancing cancer treatment outcomes while minimizing surrounding tissue damage.
The podcast highlights the effectiveness of low-dose radiation for inflammatory conditions like arthritis and tendonitis, showcasing its acceptance in international medical practices.
Misconceptions surrounding radiation exposure, fueled by historical events and media portrayals, contribute to widespread radiophobia that Dr. Mehta seeks to dismantle.
Advancements in radiation oncology have transitioned cancer therapy towards less invasive options like lumpectomies, transforming patient care frameworks over the years.
Patient education and open communication between healthcare providers are crucial for informed decision-making, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs.
Deep dives
Focus on Longevity and Health
The podcast discusses the emphasis on translating the science of longevity and wellness into accessible content for everyone. The host aims to create a resource that prioritizes health knowledge without relying on paid advertisements, benefiting subscribers with exclusive content and information. This approach allows for a more genuine conversation about health, wellness, and the latest advancements in the field without commercial pressures. By doing so, listeners are encouraged to explore innovative health strategies that extend beyond conventional practices.
Insights from Dr. Sanjay Mehta
Dr. Sanjay Mehta, a radiation oncologist, shares his extensive experience in the field. He discusses the evolution of radiation oncology, highlighting advancements over the past few decades, particularly in breast cancer treatment. The transition from radical mastectomies to more conservative approaches, such as lumpectomies, showcases the changing landscape of cancer treatments. Dr. Mehta aims to demystify radiation and its applications, addressing common misconceptions around radiation exposure.
The Role of Low-Dose Radiation
The podcast explores the potential benefits of using low-dose radiation for treating various inflammatory conditions, including tendonitis and arthritis. Dr. Mehta discusses how this practice is more commonly accepted outside of the U.S., with substantial data supporting its efficacy in Europe. He notes that low-dose radiation can yield therapeutic benefits similar to those achieved with corticosteroids but with greater long-term effectiveness. This promising application raises questions about the hesitancy in adopting such treatments within the U.S. medical community.
Radiophobia and its Origins
The episode sheds light on the concept of radiophobia, which refers to the fear and misconceptions surrounding radiation exposure. Dr. Mehta attributes much of this fear to historical events such as nuclear accidents and the stigma associated with harmful radiation exposure. He highlights how media portrayals and early 20th-century practices contributed to the negative perception of radiation. Despite this, he emphasizes the fact that radiation has been used therapeutically for over a century with remarkable success in treating various conditions.
Advancements in Radiation Technology
Advancements in radiation technology have revolutionized the way oncologists deliver treatments, making it possible to target tumors more precisely while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Innovations such as linear accelerators and image-guided radiation therapy enhance treatment strategies for cancer patients. Dr. Mehta explains how changes in technology have reduced side effects and improved patient outcomes significantly. He emphasizes that modern radiation oncology is far more sophisticated than it was just 20 years ago.
The Importance of Patient Education
Throughout the conversation, there's a strong emphasis on the importance of patient education in making informed decisions about treatment options. Dr. Mehta encourages patients to understand their diagnoses and treatment plans, ensuring they feel empowered during their healthcare journeys. The podcast advocates for open communication between patients and healthcare providers, allowing for tailored treatment plans that reflect individual needs and concerns. This approach promotes not just better healthcare decisions but also healthier patient outcomes.
Combining Radiation with Other Therapies
Dr. Mehta discusses the potential for combining low-dose radiation with other treatment modalities, such as stem cell therapy, to enhance patient outcomes. This integrative approach has the potential to address both immediate symptoms and underlying conditions in patients suffering from chronic pain or inflammatory diseases. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between different specialists to explore these innovative treatment options effectively. By combining therapies, healthcare providers can offer more comprehensive care that addresses the multifaceted nature of various medical conditions.
Experiences with Music and Cars
The conversation shifts to a personal note, where Dr. Mehta shares his passion for music and cars, revealing a vibrant aspect of his personality. As a musician and car enthusiast, he finds joy in both the creative and technical aspects of life. This multifaceted background enriches his interactions with patients and colleagues alike. The episode concludes with light-hearted discussions about their shared interests in cars and performance driving, showing how personal passions complement professional lives.
Treating Common Injuries with Radiation
The podcast highlights the use of low-dose radiation for treating common injuries like tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis, showcasing a growing interest in this practice. Dr. Mehta explains that this application can provide significant relief for patients who have struggled with chronic pain for extended periods. These promising results offer hope for those disillusioned by traditional treatment methods, such as corticosteroids. The proactive use of radiation could lead to a paradigm shift in how medical professionals approach the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.
Call for Greater Awareness and Acceptance
Dr. Mehta advocates for greater awareness and acceptance of low-dose radiation treatments within the medical community. He expresses optimism that as more patients inquire about these therapies, healthcare providers will be compelled to consider and adopt them in practice. The challenge remains to educate both professionals and patients about the benefits and safety of these innovative treatments. Through shared knowledge and patient experiences, the hope is to change perceptions and expand treatment options for chronic conditions.
Sanjay Mehta is a radiation oncologist with over 25 years of experience, and is currently the president of Century Cancer Centers in Houston, Texas (drsanjaymehta.com). In this episode, Sanjay explores the rapidly evolving field of radiation oncology, addressing common misconceptions about radiation exposure. He delves into radiation’s critical role in modern oncology, examining recent advancements that precisely target tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and reducing side effects, with specific insights into breast, prostate, and brain cancers. Sanjay discusses fascinating international practices involving low-dose radiation therapy for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and sports injuries, highlighting its effectiveness and potential for wider adoption in the United States. Wrapping up on a lighter note, Peter and Sanjay discuss their mutual passion for cars and reveal how this shared interest first brought them together.
We discuss:
How radiation oncology became a distinct, rapidly evolving medical specialty [2:45];
Defining radiation, ionizing vs. non-ionizing, and common misconceptions about radiation exposure [5:30];
How radiation doses are measured, real-world examples of radiation exposure, and safety practices [9:00];
Radiation doses from common medical imaging tests, and why benefits of routine imaging outweigh risks [14:15];
Therapeutic radiation oncology: the evolution of breast cancer treatment toward less invasive surgery combined with targeted radiation [23:30];
Modern radiation oncology treatments for breast cancer—minimizing risks and maximizing patient comfort and outcomes [27:15];
How advances in radiation dosing, technology, and treatment precision have significantly reduced side effects [39:45];
How breast implants affect radiation treatment [44:45];
Radiation therapy for prostate cancer: advancements in precision, effectiveness, and patient selection criteria [48:00];
Radiation therapy options for inoperable prostate cancer or those seeking alternatives to surgery, and a remarkable patient case study [55:15];
How patients can effectively evaluate and select a high-quality radiation oncologist [1:05:45];
Radiation therapy for brain cancer: the shift toward precise, targeted techniques that minimize cognitive side effects, and remaining challenges [1:08:30];
The origins of radiophobia and how it influenced perceptions of radiation use in medicine [1:18:00];
Treating chronic inflammatory conditions such as tendinitis, arthritis, and more with very low-dose radiation [1:23:45];
Using low-dose radiation to treat spine injuries, scar tissue, fibrosis, keloids, and more [1:30:00];
The current barriers preventing widespread adoption of low-dose radiation therapy for inflammatory conditions [1:35:45];
The durability and versatility of low-dose radiation therapy in treating chronic inflammatory and arthritic conditions [1:40:45];
Sanjay’s talent as a drummer [1:44:45];
Peter and Sanjay’s shared passion for cars and racing [1:47:15]; and
