From Röntgen-rays to carbon ion therapy: The evolution of modern radiation oncology in Germany

Publication date: Available online 30 August 2016
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): Jonathan W. Lischalk, Laila König, Michael C. Repka, Matthias Uhl, Anatoly Dritschilo, Klaus Herfarth, Jürgen Debus
Beginning with the discovery of X-rays in 1895, German scientists and clinicians were instrumental in establishing the fields of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology, creating the first radiotherapy peer-reviewed journal, and holding the first international oncologic conference. These landmark achievements profoundly influenced the nascent field of radiation oncology. However, the rapid early scientific progress was first halted by World War I, derailed during World War II, and was slowly reestablished amid the divisions of the Cold War. Figure 1 chronicles many radiotherapy milestones during these distinct periods. Today, Germany has reemerged as a scientific leader in the field of radiotherapy, and a pioneer in basic radiobiology research and clinical implementation of particle therapy. Here we explore the technical advances as well as the clinical evolution of radiotherapy in Germany from the groundbreaking establishment of Bismarck's healthcare system to a modern view of radiotherapy practice.

Teaser

Germany, home of Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discoverer of the X-ray, has played a critical role in the development of radiation oncology. Rapid initial scientific advances were stalled by sociopolitical turbulence during two World Wars and the Cold War only to reemerge in the modern era. We explore the technical advances and clinical evolution of radiotherapy in Germany from the groundbreaking establishment of Bismarck's healthcare system to a modern view of radiotherapy practice.


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