title: Radiation-induced leukemia: lessons from history.
abstract: Beginning in 1895, with the discovery of x-rays, alpha and beta radiation, uranium, radium, thorium, and polonium, the fascinating story of the beginning of knowledge concerning the existence of ionizing radiation unfolds. This brief history of radiation and leukemia is divided into two main parts: the first 50 years, which deals with the confusion regarding radiation effects and the failure to clearly recognize that exposure to ionizing radiation may induce leukemia. The second part focuses on the last 60 years, when the radiation induction of leukemia was accepted and some progress achieved in understanding the clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of radiation-induced leukemia. Particular attention in this is paid to the effects of radiation on the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The discussion in this section also covers some concepts of radiation-induced cell damage and ruminations on unanswered questions.
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, USA. finch@umdnj.edu
authors.forename: Stuart C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Finch
mesh_terms: D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D007953:Leukemia, Radiation-Induced / Q000235:genetics / Q000266:history / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009689:Nuclear Warfare; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D011847:Radioactive Fallout / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants; D017741:Survivors; D047789:World War II
chemical_list: D011847:Radioactive Fallout; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants