FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHILADELPHIA VA MEDICAL CENTER, AND UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA HEALTH SYSTEM, UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR BOTCHED TREATMENTS
Doctor accused of giving the wrong radiation treatment to dozens of prostate cancer patients
July 1, 2009- Dr. Gary D. Kao has been accused of giving the wrong radiation dose to dozens of prostate-cancer patients at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. The U.S. Senate hearing began yesterday, June 29, 2009.
Investigations of the brachytherapy program, which is a popular form of radiation therapy, at the Philadelphia hospital found that their team, who performed the procedure, botched 92 of 116 occasions and continued the treatment for a year even though the monitoring equipment was broken. The brachytherapy program at Philadelphia VA, began in 2002. Its purpose was to treat prostate cancer without having to resort to major surgery.
Brachytherapy is a popular alternative for patients with early non-aggressive cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate. Physicians permanently implant 80-120 metal seeds the size of rice grains, into the prostate, that release cell-killing radiation over a 10-month period.
Medical Center spokesman Dale Wardan says that the center is giving follow up care to all the veterans who received defective treatment.
If you have ever had radiation therapy treatments at Philadelphia VA Medical Center, and may have a claim, call Messa & Associates at 215.568.3500 or 877-MESSALAW.
