"However, the fact remains that our VA staff self-discovered these potential dosing issues almost two years ago, closed the program, self-reported to the NRC, cooperated fully with multiple investigations, and have been transparent throughout the entire process," Citron continued in his statement.

"[I]ssues with the brachytherapy program do not reflect the high level of health care offered in Philadelphia or throughout the VA system," he added.

Currently, the prostate cancer program remains suspended at the Philadelphia VA hospital, and the doctor believed to be responsible for most of the procedures no longer works at the institution.

"They don't have plans to resume it yet," says Chandrathil.

Nonetheless, Philadelphia's brachytherapy problems aren't completely over. Last week, the University of Pennsylvania, whose hospital is affiliated with the VA institution, admitted that earlier this year a man underwent a brachytherapy procedure that placed the seeds in the wrong area.

The NRC's investigations are also continuing, as they're reviewing the rest of the VA's 13 prostate treatment programs across the country. Currently, four are suspended pending investigations, including those in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Calif. and Jackson, Miss. The full report of this review is due in the coming months, says Chandrathil.


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