Over-exposures in medical applications of radiation

It is now well known that in radiation therapy, high doses are given to the affected tissues/organs so as to kill the diseased tissues. It is expected that the physician decides and optimizes the dose requirement in consultation with a radiation physicist to ensure radiation protection of the patient. A recent report on the above topic in the Times of India is a matter of grave concern. During medical procedures in US, three patients were given over doses which resulted in organ failures crippling the patients.

Highly collimated radiation beams are used to treat tiny tumors in sensitive organs such as brain or in spinal cord. The collimated beam ensures protection of healthy surrounding tissues. However, any malfunctioning of the system, mismatch of electronic components and improper use of the equipments used in medical diagnosis (X-rays and CT scans) and external radiation beam therapy sources (medical accelerators and Co-60 sources) may result in leakage of the radiation and exposure of other healthy tissues which may ultimately result in long- term severe health problems.

Stringent regulations and quality assurance programs are absolutely necessary for the protection of the patients. The medical and paramedical staff should be well trained in all aspects of radiation protection. Medical procedures involving radiation should be recommended only if the benefits outweigh risks of the radiation exposure.