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Radiation oncology: historical development in Germany
1Department of Radiation Oncology, St. George's Hospital, Hamburg, Germany.
Summary
German radiotherapy significantly contributed to the field until World War II. Post-war challenges hindered progress, but German radiation therapy has now regained international standards.
Area of Science:
- Radiotherapy
- Medical History
- Oncology
Background:
- German radiotherapy was a leader in the early 20th century.
- World War II and the Nazi regime isolated German medical professionals, impacting the field's development.
- Post-war Germany faced significant challenges in rebuilding its radiotherapy infrastructure and expertise.
Observation:
- During the 1960s and 1970s, German publications overemphasized technical and biological aspects over clinical research.
- International advancements in clinical research were not mirrored in Germany during this period.
- K. Musshoff's work on Hodgkin's disease treatment was a notable exception, achieving international recognition.
Findings:
- German radiotherapy experienced a prolonged recovery period to reach pre-war international standards.
- Difficulties in conducting prospective randomized trials persist in Germany.
- The shift to English as the primary language in medicine limited the global reach of German publications.
Implications:
- German radiotherapy has now achieved a clinical and technical standard comparable to international levels.
- The adoption of English abstracts in German journals aims to improve global discoverability.
- The field is once again competitive with leading nations like the US, UK, France, and Scandinavian countries.