The Topeka state journal., 1913-12-26

|RADIUM TREATMENT OF CANCER
Tho American Society for the Con-
troll Of Cancer fears that exaggerated
ideas OF the power Of radium In the
treatment of cancer may result from
the recent publicity given TO this agent
in the daily press. It appears highly
important at the present time that
Limitations OF radium in the control
Of cancer should be emphasized an
we'll az its favorable effects in certain
cases. Otherwise the familiar story
Of new hopes, destined only to disap-
pointment, will again be recorded at
the expense Of many unfortunate suf-
ferers.
The curative effects Of radium are
practically limited today to superficial
cancers of the skin, to superficial
growths Of mucous membrane. which
are not true cancers, and to some
deeper lying tumors Of bone, ETC..
which are not very malignant The
problem of the constitutional treat
ment Of advanced. inoperable cancer
is still untouched by any method yet
devised or likely to be devised for adj
ministering radium. Even among the
so-called cures. it still remains to be
determined in many cases whether
the favorable result Is permanent or Is
to be followed sooner or later by the
usual recurrence. Tho most compe-
tent surgeons do not dare to pro-
nounce q case cured until five years
have elapsed after an apparently sue
cessful operation. The same test must
be applied before we can finally de-
termine the real value Of radium.
It should be emphasized especially
that radium cannot at present exert
any permanent benefit on generalized
cancer, and since cancer, in q very
large proportion of cases, il widely
disseminated in the body early-in the
course Of the disease, this entire group
Of cases can expect no important re-
lief from radium. Another large group
of cancers is comparatively inacces-
sible to the application of radium. 30
that the ultimate course of the disease
is not effected. although certain por-
tions of the tumor may be reduced in
size. Again. many forms of cancer. al
though localized and accessible to ra-
dium, grow very rapidly and resist the
curative action OF this agent. so that
its use.
The best results of radium therapy
can be secured only when compare
lively large amounts are available for
use and the present limited worlds
supply Of this metal places it out of
reach Of the great majority of pa
tients. It is to be feared that much
harm may result from undue reliance
upon small quantities Of low grade
radium when other methods of treat
ment would be more effective.
Evidence Of the possible extent of
misconception on this subject
Is found in a pathetic letter recently
received at the New York Health De-
partment from q sufferer in Califor-
mia who had somehow obtained the
impression that the United States
was about to purchase
large quantities of radium from
abroad Assuming that u the New
York City physician" would have a
plentiful supply. the writer asked that
some be sent to him c. o. d. without
delaying to advise him as to the cost.
Under the term cancer" are COM
monty grouped several diseases which
differ widely in nature. causation. and
courses. and in their response to ra-
dium. 1t requires both skill and ex-
perience to determine just what type
Of cancer one has to deal with as well
as the advisability of using radium.
Hence, 1t is extremely difficult to for
mulate an accurate statement Of the
true position Of radium therapy, but
it is quite clear that the exploitation
of this remedy as a cure Of cancer in
general is to be deprecated