Accidental Overexposure of Radiotherapy Patients in Bialystok

In February 2001, an accident occurred in the Bialystok Oncology Centre in Poland, which caused five patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment to be given significantly higher does than intended. This report reviews this accidental medical overexposure, the subsequent dose assessment and the clinical consequences to the patients. It also discusses the lessons learned and provides recommendations for preventing similar events from occurring.