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The contribution of Marie Skłodowska-Curie to the development of modern oncology

Title	The contribution of Marie Skłodowska-Curie to the development of modern oncology
Authors	Andrzej Kułakowski
Magazine	Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
Date	02/18/2011
DOI	10.1007/s00216-011-4712-1
Introduction	The late 19th century brought about pivotal advancements that transformed medical diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, particularly in oncology. Key contributions included Wilhelm Roentgen's identification of X-rays in 1895, Henry Becquerel's description of uranium's radioactivity in 1886, and Marie and Pierre Curie's isolation of radium and polonium in 1898. These breakthroughs were recognised with the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics for Becquerel and the Curies, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie independently received the 1911 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her work with radium and polonium. Roentgen's X-rays changed diagnostics, enabling detailed visualisation of internal organs previously inaccessible. Early applications included bone imaging, later expanding to other organs with the aid of contrast media like barium and iodine preparations. Radiology remains a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic tool today, with modern advancements such as computed tomography (CT) scans offering enhanced precision through computer analysis. Concurrently, natural radioactivity, initially observed by Becquerel and further characterised by the Curies, paved the way for novel medical treatments and diagnostics. Early clinical uses of radioactive substances commenced swiftly, with reports of successful tumour treatment as early as 1899. While early radiotherapy had broad, sometimes unwarranted, applications and recognised side effects, experience led to the establishment of modern, safer principles. Today, radiotherapy is fundamental to oncology, transitioning from radium and X-rays to safer cobalt bombs and linear accelerators, with computer-aided planning ensuring precise dosage and minimal harm to healthy tissues. Brachytherapy, a specialised form of radiotherapy where radioactive sources are placed in close proximity to the tumour, also saw early adoption, with initial reports in 1904. Radium was initially employed directly on or within tumours, evolving to interstitial application. The technique improved with the introduction of radioactive isotopes like caesium and iridium and advanced computer software for precise and safe high-dose rate (HDR) treatments. Brachytherapy is now effective for various cancers, including genitourinary, head and neck, and palliative care for advanced cases. Nuclear medicine, a more recent field building upon Marie Skłodowska-Curie's work, utilises radioisotope-labelled substances for tumour imaging and therapy. Its growth accelerated post-World War II, following Frederic and Irene Joliot-Curie's 1930s work on artificial radioisotope production. Isotopes like iodine, indium, and technetium, with short half-lives, are used in conjunction with tissue-binding agents for diagnostic imaging via gamma-cameras and advanced techniques like SPECT and PET. Intraoperative detectors and radioimmunoguided surgery (RIGS) further enhance surgical precision. The ongoing development of specific binding substances, particularly monoclonal antibodies, promises more targeted cancer therapies, such as using iodine to ablate residual thyroid cancer cells. Despite cancer's persistent challenges, continuous progress in early diagnosis and therapeutic modalities is improving patient outcomes. The foundational scientific work of a century ago continues to inspire research, offering hope and life-saving possibilities. Marie Skłodowska-Curie, though not a clinician, profoundly influenced medicine, leading to the establishment of institutions like the Curie Institute and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Centre, underscoring her belief in the essential link between scientific investigation and clinical advancement.
Quote	Andrzej Kułakowski. The contribution of Marie Skłodowska-Curie to the development of modern oncology. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2011. Vol. 400(6):1583-1586. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-011-4712-1
Element	Uranium (U) , Radium (Ra) , Barium (Ba) , Iodine (I) , Cobalt (Co) , Iridium (Ir)
Materials	Chemical Compounds
Topics	Biomedical Materials , Photonic and Optoelectronic Materials , Computational Materials Science
Industry	Medical Devices , Chemical & Pharmacy , Research & Laboratory , Nuclear Energy , Pharmaceutical Industry

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