Radiotherapy: Past and present

Abstract

Discovery of radioactive X-rays in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen marked the beginning of significant events in diagnostics and treatment of many diseases. The idea of using X-rays in treatment of malignant diseases was born the same year, when X rays were used for treatment of local relapse of breast cancer, upon initiative of medical student Emil Grubbe. This event was followed by important discoveries of radioactive elements. Marie and Pierre Curie discovered polonium and radium and were awarded the Nobel Prize for their discovery in 1903 and 1911. Their daughter, Ir?ne Curie, joined their research on radioactivity and was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1935. The potentials of radiotherapy became increasingly exploited in treatment of oncological patients. The beginning of radiotherapy in Novi Sad dates from 1934 with the arrival of Dr. Nikola Vujic, a specialist in internal medicine and radiology, and when the first universal X-ray generator was installed and used for therapy. After the World War II, radiotherapy was modernized by purchasing modern devices: 4-valve multi-voltage device (Siemens) for deep radiotherapy and contact radiotherapy by Chaoul. Today, radiotherapy for oncological patients in Novi Sad complies with modern trends and protocols (conformal technique). It has the most advanced technical capacities used worldwide and it takes into account the therapeutical effects and patients' quality of life.