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UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN, LAWRENCE, KANSAS
WEDNESDAY. SEPT. 19, 1951
KU Professor Studies Radio-Active Treatment Of Thyroid Disorders
Professor of Physics Frank E. Hoecker was consultant physicist during the summer in a new program of diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders with radio-active materials.
This new treatment was introduced at Stormont-Vail hospital in Topeka after Professor Hoecker gave a series of lectures to 25 doctors from the Topeka area to familiarize them with the possible uses of radio-active isotopes in medicine.
The new radio-active isotope program was begun at the Topeka hospital in July and tests have been made on twelve patients since that time. One cure was made with the radio-isotope treatments. The other eleven cases were given radio-active materials in an attempt to discover the nature of their thyroid trouble.
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"By giving the patient a tracer dose of radio-active iodine, measurements can be made which give us clues to what is wrong with the thyroid," Professor Hoecker said.
"In treating thyroid disorders, the radio-active material is given to the patient by mouth and finds its way to the thyroid gland where the radio-active material is given to the patient by mouth and finds its way to the thyroid gland where the radio-activity destroys malfunctioning tissue." he explained.
The thyroid gland is responsible for a tremendous number of diseases and a thyroid disorder can affect the mental condition of the patient and even cause death, Professor Hoecker added.
The Topeka hospital is the only private hospital in Kansas in which this type of work is carried on. No one in the program receives any compensation for their work.
Professor Hoecker is one of about, 30 radio-physicists in the nation certified by the American Board of Radiology. The use of radio-active isotopes in hospitals is very limited and the Atomic Energy Commission rigidly controls their use. The hospital and staff must fulfil certain minimum requirements and must be approved by the Atomic Energy Commission.
The radio-active materials, which are shipped directly from the Oak Ridge Atomic plant, are available on a non-profit basis. The isotopes are not only less expensive to use than X-ray, but can be more accurately controlled. In the diluted form in which they are used for humans the isotopes are harmless, in fact less dangerous than X-rays.
"The purpose of the program is to develop specific methods and procedures so that specific instructions on the diagnosing and treatment of
1,581 Take Physical Exams
Physical examinations were given to 1.531 students during orientation week.
Late enrollees, ROTC students, Fullbright scholars and students who missed their examination appointment will be given physicals Saturday.
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KU Lecturer On 5-Week Tour
became Norway's director of information in the United States and from 1942 to the war's end was counselor of the Norwegian embassy in this country.
thyroid disorders with radio-active materials can be passed on to other hospitals," Professor Hoecker explained.
Bulbs Not So Fragile
About six patients a month will be treated at the Topeka hospital during the next few months. Most of the treatments will be of diagnostic nature.
Hans Olav, assistant secretary of state on public affairs in the Norwegian government, began a 5-week lecture tour Monday for the University of Kansas lecture course bureau. He spoke to the Wichita Rotary club at its Monday luncheon and will give 34 more talks in nearly that many cities.
"Norway — Streamlined Democracy" will be his subject.
Olav, who is essentially a journalist, was a roving foreign correspondent for several years. In 1940 he
Richmond, Va. — (U.P.)—A tornado that hit Monroe park uptroated and splintered huge trees and knocked out 40 electrical circuits but not one of 16 fragile ornamental light bulbs hanging over the walks was broken.
Loaded With Luck
Kokomo, Ind.—(U.P.)—Mrs. Frank Olmstead picked 108 four-leaf clovers in an hour in her yard.