Chemotherapy-how did mustard gas from a blown up WWII ship get into your veins?

How many people ask their MD questions about chemotherapy? Have you ever wondered how such a toxic substance (so toxic that those who administer it must wear gowns and gloves) became the “standard of care” for cancer? The truth of its origin is as far away from a scientific laboratory as one could imagine!

In August of 1943, President Roosevelt approved the shipment of chemical munitions containing mustard gas to the Mediterranean theater. Two thousand mustard bombs were loaded onto the USS John Harvey. The ship was waiting to unload in Bari, Italy when German planes attacked on December 2, …read more