San Jose Mercury News reports that a Los Gatos urologist was arrested June 20 “on charges that he falsely told three elderly men they had prostate cancer,” leading one 87-year-old victim
to have unnecessary brachytherapy. Brachytherapy is a form of radioactive surgery done by implanting radioactive pellets in the prostate. It can have serious side effects on urinationa and erectile function.

Mercury News (Bay City News service) reported June 20:

Dr. Ali Moayed, 42, is in custody on $500,000 bail after being arrested this
morning. He faces a possible sentence of more than seven years in prison if
convicted of all charges, according to Deputy District Attorney Bill Butler.

In early 2005, Moayed allegedly falsified the medical records of the three
men to show they had prostate cancer. He recommended they undergo
brachytherapy, a form of radiation therapy where a radioactive “seed” is
inserted into or adjacent to the cancerous tissue.

One man underwent the surgery and the other two would

have if the partner of the oncologist who performed the surgery had not
become suspicious and informed hospital authorities, according to Butler.

“There was an extensive investigation by the California Medical Board,”
Butler said. “The doctor has relinquished his license to practice medicine
in the State of California.”

Moayed relinquished his license in early 2006, according to Butler.

Authorities believe there may be additional victims who were falsely
diagnosed.

Anyone with information about Moayed should call Butler at (408) 792-2529 or
medical board investigator Victor Sandoval at (408) 437-3685.

Source: San Jose Mercury News