Classics in brachytherapy: Margaret Cleaves introduces gynecologic brachytherapy.
Intracavitary treatment of gynecologic cancers has been the anchor of brachytherapy, and perhaps the greatest success of radiotherapy, for over a century. The woman who first performed the procedure was neither a surgeon nor radiologist, but an electrotherapeutist who began her career as an alienist. She pursued a prolific academic career despite being disabled by a disease that is no longer recognized. The fascinating life of Margaret Cleaves, the initiator of gynecologic brachytherapy, is recounted.
Aronowitz
Jesse N
JN
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Levine Cancer Center, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. aronowitz@radium-therapy.com
Aronowitz
Shoshana V
SV
Robison
Roger F
RF
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000266:history*; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000266:history* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States