Radiation Oncology in Egypt: A Model for Africa

Radiation therapy was first used in Egypt in the 1930s. Treatment was offered at the Kasr El Ainy Hospital (Cairo University Hospital) and delivered using the ominous sounding "Radium Bomb." This machine held 1 g of radium in an egg-shaped, lead-lined head, just inches from the tumor. A simple shutter was opened and closed by a bicycle break cable. The lead that lined the egg offered some direction to the beam and some protection to both healthy tissue and the treating staff. At that time, just as everywhere in the world, radiation oncology did not exist as a distinct specialty and, instead, was a part of the Department of Radiology, Tumor Management and Electrotherapy, at Cairo Faculty of Medicine.

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