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Emil Herman Grubbé (1875–1960) with special reference to priority for X-ray cancer therapy
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Abstract
The American scientist Emil Herman Grubbé (1875–1960) in Chicago, claimed to be the first to treat cancer with X-rays. However, there is some doubt about this claim as essential case history documentation in 1896 does not now exist. This brief biography describes Grubbé’s claim to be the world’s first radiation oncologist: treating a breast cancer patient. Reference is also given to the first use of X-ray therapy for pain relief. This was performed by Victor Despeignes (1866–1937) in Lyon, July 1896. X-ray therapy for pain relief was also administered by a Dr Voigt in November 1896 in Hamburg to a patient with cancer of the pharynx. The first verifiable priority claim for X-ray therapy was in Stockholm and can be credited to two general practitioners: Tage Sjögren (1859–1939) and Thor Stenbeck (1864–1914).
Abstract
The American scientist Emil Herman Grubbé (1875–1960) in Chicago, claimed to be the first to treat cancer with X-rays. However, there is some doubt about this claim as essential case history documentation in 1896 does not now exist. This brief biography describes Grubbé’s claim to be the world’s first radiation oncologist: treating a breast cancer patient. Reference is also given to the first use of X-ray therapy for pain relief. This was performed by Victor Despeignes (1866–1937) in Lyon, July 1896. X-ray therapy for pain relief was also administered by a Dr Voigt in November 1896 in Hamburg to a patient with cancer of the pharynx. The first verifiable priority claim for X-ray therapy was in Stockholm and can be credited to two general practitioners: Tage Sjögren (1859–1939) and Thor Stenbeck (1864–1914).
Keywords
Elis Berven; breast cancer; cancer; Chicago; Crookes tube; dermatitis; Victor Despeignes; Leopold Freund; Emil Grubbé; Hahnemann Medical College; Hamburg; Lyon; pain relief; pharynx cancer; radiation injuries; radiotherapy; Tage Sjögren; Thor Stenbeck; St
About this articleTitle
Emil Herman Grubbé (1875–1960) with special reference to priority for X-ray cancer therapy
Journal
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology
Issue
Article type
Other materials agreed with the Editors
Pages
286-289
Published online
2019-05-07
Page views
504
Article views/downloads
979
DOI
10.5603/2018.0046
Bibliographic record
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2018;68(5-6):286-289.
Keywords
Elis Berven
breast cancer
cancer
Chicago
Crookes tube
dermatitis
Victor Despeignes
Leopold Freund
Emil Grubbé
Hahnemann Medical College
Hamburg
Lyon
pain relief
pharynx cancer
radiation injuries
radiotherapy
Tage Sjögren
Thor Stenbeck
St
Authors
Richard F. Mould