Evaluation of a Proposed Biodegradable 188Re Source for Brachytherapy Application

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate dosimetric characteristics based on Monte Carlo (MC) simulations for a proposed beta emitter bioglass 188Re seed for internal radiotherapy applications.The bioactive glass seed has been developed using the sol-gel technique. The simulations were performed for the seed using MC radiation transport code to investigate the dosimetric factors recommended by the AAPM Task Group 60 (TG-60).Dose distributions due to the beta and photon radiation were predicted at different radial distances surrounding the source. The dose rate in water at the reference point was calculated to be 7.43 ± 0.5 cGy/h/μCi. The dosimetric factors consisting of the reference point dose rate, D(r0,θ0), the radial dose function, g(r), the 2-dimensional anisotropy function, F(r,θ), the 1-dimensional anisotropy function, φan(r), and the R90 quantity were estimated and compared with several available beta-emitting sources.The element 188Re incorporated in bioactive glasses produced by the sol-gel technique provides a suitable solution for producing new materials for seed implants applied to brachytherapy applications in prostate and liver cancers treatment. Dose distribution of 188Re seed was greater isotropic than other commercially attainable encapsulated seeds, since it has no end weld to attenuate radiation.The beta radiation-emitting 188Re source provides high doses of local radiation to the tumor tissue and the short range of the beta particles limit damage to the adjacent normal tissue.

Introducing a novel coefficient on mixed-nanoparticles material: relationship between the theoretical and experimental densities

“…The synthetic method in making NPs plays a key role in acquiring proper properties. Several methods of co-precipitation have been developed along with many bio-molecules and surfactants [13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]. Although this method is suitable for NPs synthesis, it has defects such as particle size distribution and the use of a strong base in the reaction process, which may affect the results in the NPs.…”

A critical review of bioactive glasses and glass–ceramics in cancer therapy

“…59 166 Ho-containing BGs produced more radiation to the tumor tissue than other radioisotopes, and the short-range penetration of beta particles is useful to minimize damages to the adjacent healthy tissue. 60,61…”

Biomedical Radioactive Glasses for Brachytherapy

“…Hosseini et al [ 76 ] and Khorshidi et al [ 77 ] performed similar Monte Carlo code simulations to evaluate the beta dose of 166 Ho-based and 188 Re-based biodegradable glass seeds for hepatic cancer treatment. They concluded that both 166 Ho and 185 Re had a shorter dose distance as compared to 153 Sm and a slightly higher initial dose, as shown in the Figure 9 .…”

“… Comparison of the dose rate vs. distance for different glasses containing beta emitters. Figure adapted from Hosseini et al [ 76 ] ( a ) and Khorshidi et al [ 77 ] ( b ). …”