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ForwardRadiation Therapy Beyond Cancer: Applications to Benign Conditions with a focus on Osteoarthritis - 2026 APP Summit
This session explores the use of low‑dose radiation therapy (LDRT) as a safe and effective treatment option for benign conditions, with a special focus on osteoarthritis. Participants will gain an understanding of the underlying inflammatory processes, the rationale for radiation in non‑malignant disease, and the evidence supporting its use in carefully selected patients.
Target Audience
This activity is intended for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Analyze the key components of the inflammatory process to improve clinical decision‑making.
- Explain the rationale and mechanisms underlying the use of radiation therapy in benign disorders.
- Evaluate the current evidence supporting the use of low‑dose radiation therapy (LDRT) in osteoarthritis.
- Apply risk assessment, recognize limitations, and determine appropriate patient selection for benign radiation therapy.
Presenter: Christen Cawley, MPAS, PA-C - Physician Assistant, Radiation Oncology, Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Passavant
Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
No members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships with any companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.
In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician Assistant (AAPA)
The University of Pittsburgh has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 0.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credit. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
Nursing (CNE)
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Continuing Nursing Education activity is 0.5 contact hour.
Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.
Available Credit
- 0.50 AAPA Category I CME
- 0.50 ANCCUPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
- 0.50 Attendance