Commentary on an article by Dino Samartzis, DSc, et al.: “Exposure to Ionizing Radiation and Development of Bone Sarcoma: New Insights Based on Atomic-Bomb Survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki”

Abstract

In this article, Samartzis et al. examine the association between ionizing radiation and the development of bone sarcoma. One strength of this study is that it was conducted with use of a large database. Another strength is that the study employed long follow-up times. Indeed, it is one of the largest and longest studies ever conducted on this topic. As the authors imply, the results of the study are likely to be of particular interest to individuals undergoing certain medical diagnostic procedures and those exposed to certain occupational hazards. In addition, the lay public often takes an interest in the topic of “radiation.” In this context, it is important to note that bone sarcoma is relatively rare. This rarity poses certain methodological challenges that, in turn, suggest that the findings of …