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NRC Sanctions Pa. Doctor In Flawed Cancer Treatments

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has sanctioned a doctor who performed nearly 100 botched prostate cancer procedures at Philadelphia's VA Medical Center.

The NRC says Dr. Gary Kao cannot take part in agency-related activities without undergoing more training. A medical physicist was also sanctioned Wednesday.

The commission found Kao took part in 91 procedures in which veterans received incorrect doses from radioactive seeds implanted in the prostate to kill cancer cells. It found many of Kao's patients received insufficient doses because he implanted seeds in nearby organs or surrounding tissue.

In a statement Thursday, Kao's attorney said the doctor is "pleased" that the NRC has concluded its investigation and that he accepts its decision.

The NRC fined the VA hospital $227,500 last year.

(© 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed)

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