Victor Despeignes, the forgotten pioneer of radiation oncology

Publication date: Available online 25 July 2016
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): Nicolas Foray
Radiotherapy is 120 years old and its birth can be set in the year 1896. That year, three novel concepts came together in the French city of Lyon: the discovery of X-rays; the hygienist notion of cancer etiology; and the invention of cinema. Lyon was the home town of the Lumière brothers who had developed cinematography but who had larger ideas in the world of imaging and therapy. They encouraged local scientists and physicians to investigate the biological effects of X-rays by providing, for this purpose, materials and notably X-rays tubes. At the same time, the bacterial theory of disease (hygienism or parasitism) was taking hold and its study was strongly encouraged by two successive mayors of Lyon. Victor Despeignes, a former student of University of Lyon, had been molded by Pasteur's ideas and, convinced by the parasitic theory of cancer, performed in July 1896 the first documented anti-cancer radiation treatment on his neighbor who probably suffered from a gastric lymphoma. He gave us the very first description of tumor regression following radiation. The historical and technological context is discussed.

Teaser

Radiotherapy is 120 years old. Victor Despeignes performed in July 1896 the first documented anti-cancer radiation treatment on his neighbor who probably suffered from a gastric lymphoma. He gave us the very first description of tumor regression following radiation.


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