Database of radiological incidents and related events--Johnston's Archive
Rotterdam radiotherapy accident, 1988
compiled by Wm. Robert Johnston
last modified 17 February 2008
Date:
1988
Location:
Dr. Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Type of event:
accidental radiotherapy exposure
Description:
A patient received an accidental localized overdose during treatment for prostatic cancer. While being treatment with a CGR-Sagittaire accelerator, the patient received localized doses of 1000-2000 rad to the skin of the right half ventral part of the thorax, the head, and the upper arm. The unit had been suffering frequent technical problems. Based on experiments for accident reconstruction, it was concluded that radiation leakage of 400 rad/minute during therapy could account for the injury.
Consequences:
1 injury
References:
- Woudstra, E., H. Huizenga, and J. A. van de Poel, 1993, "Possible leakage radiation during malfunctioning of a Sagittaire accelerator," Radiotherapy Oncology, 29(1):39-44.
© 2008 by Wm. Robert Johnston.
Last modified 17 February 2008.
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