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130 Years of Radiotherapy for Nonmalignant Diseases: A Historical Overview.
Oliver Micke1, Michael Oertel2, Ralph Muecke3
1Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Franziskus Hospital Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany.
Seminars in Radiation Oncology
|December 14, 2025
Summary
This review explores the historical use of radiotherapy for benign diseases, predating cancer treatment. Understanding this past, including pioneers and missteps, can guide current practices and future research in radiation medicine.
Area of Science:
- Radiation medicine
- Medical history
- Oncology
Background:
- Radiotherapy's use for benign conditions predates its oncologic applications.
- The historical application of X-rays and radium for non-malignant diseases spans approximately 130 years.
- Early radiotherapy practices offer insights into medical innovation and the risks of using potent agents for non-cancerous conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of radiotherapy for benign diseases.
- To analyze medical innovation and inherent trade-offs in using radiation for non-malignant conditions.
- To guide present practices and future research in radiation medicine by learning from historical data.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of radiotherapy's application in non-malignant diseases.
- Examination of key milestones and pioneers in the field of radiation medicine.
- Analysis of early experimental clinical applications of X-rays and radium.
Main Results:
- Radiotherapy has a long history in treating non-malignant conditions, significantly shaping radiation medicine.
- Historical data reveals insights into medical innovation and the risks associated with radiation therapy.
- Understanding past practices is crucial for optimizing current and future radiotherapy applications.
Conclusions:
- A historical perspective on radiotherapy for benign diseases is essential for understanding its evolution.
- Learning from historical pioneers and past missteps can inform current best practices and risk management.
- This review aims to guide future research in defining indications, optimizing doses, and monitoring outcomes in radiation medicine.
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