Published in

SAGE Publications, Tumori Journal, 4(91), p. 335-338, 2005

DOI: 10.1177/030089160509100410

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

Prostate brachytherapy with iodine-125 seeds: radiation protection issues

This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

Full text: Download

Green circle
Preprint: archiving allowed
Green circle
Postprint: archiving allowed
Red circle
Published version: archiving forbidden
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

Aims and background Brachytherapy for prostate cancer by means of permanently implanted 125 I sources is a well established procedure. An increasing number of patients all over the world are treated with this modality. When the technique was introduced at our institution, radiation protection issues relative to this technique were investigated in order to comply with international recommendations and national regulations. Particular attention was paid to the need for patient shielding after discharge from hospital. Methods The effective and equivalent doses to personnel related to implantation, the effective dose to patient relatives as computed by a developed algorithm, the air kerma strength values for the radioactive sources certified by the manufacturer compared with those measured by a well chamber, and the effectiveness of lead gloves in shielding the hands were evaluated. Results The effective dose to the bodies of personnel protected by a lead apron proved to be negligible. The mean equivalent doses to the physician's hands was 420 μSv for one implant; the technician's hands received 65 μSv. The mean air kerma rate measured at the anterior skin surface of the patient who had received an implant was 55 μGy/h (range, 10–115) and was negligible with lead protection. The measured and certified air kerma strength for 125I seeds in RAPID Strand corresponded within a margin of ± 5%. The measured attenuation by lead gloves in operative conditions was about 80%. We also defined the recommendations to be given to the patient at discharge. Conclusions The exposure risks related to brachytherapy with 125I to operators and public are limited. However, alternation of operators should be considered to minimize exposure. Patient-related measurements should verify the dose rate around the patient to evaluate the need for shielding and to define appropriate radiation protection recommendations.