The hospital admitted its error Tuesday, saying it's reviewing records of prostate-cancer patients who underwent brachytherapy during the past six years. The men may have received radiation dosages below the recommended levels. The treatment involved implanting radioactive rods or seeds in and around the prostate to destroy cancer cells in men who have low-risk prostate cancer.
The hospital is also investigating another case where six patients on the blood thinner warfarin had their blood drawn twice July 30 and were put in a research study without their knowledge or consent, reported Philly.com.
Hospital spokeswoman Fern Billet said two cancer patients have since died but it is not clear if the deaths were related to the radiation error. The hospital has suspended both programs and is conducting an investigation.
