Equipment and operations for preparing $sup 252$Cf neutron sources for interstitial cancer radiotherapy research

Conference · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1974

OSTI ID:4137141

Walker, V. W.

The Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) is currently producing californium- 252 sources for a medical evaluation program in neutron radiotherapy. These sources provide an intense, tiny, neutron point source for cancer therapy research. Instead of using a large beam of neutrons from a reactor or accelerator for tumor treatments, the implantable $sup 252$Cf neutron source delivers a highly localized radiation dose within the tumor itself. The equipment design and operations for producing the sources, the Pt-Ir clad wire containing the Pd-Cf$sub 2$$O$$sub 3$ cermet core, and the assembly of 3 to 12 seeds sealed within a radiation resistant 1.20 mm plastic tube are described. All operations are performed by machines specially designed for remote operation in a shielded cell. (auth)

• Research Organization: Du Pont de Nemours (E.I.) and Co., Aiken, S.C. (USA). Savannah River Plant
• NSA Number: NSA-33-003141
• OSTI ID: 4137141
• Report Number(s): DP-MS--75-9; CONF-751101--21
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*CALIFORNIUM 252-- PRODUCTION
*NEUTRON SOURCES-- FABRICATION
*REMOTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT-- OPERATION
070201* --Isotope & Radiation Source Technology--Radiation Sources--Design & Fabrication
INTERNAL IRRADIATION
N47310* --Isotope & Radiation Source Technology--Radiation Sources--Design & Fabrication
N48510 --Life Sciences--Radiation Effects on Animals--Man
NEOPLASMS
PATIENTS
RADIATION SOURCE IMPLANTS
RADIOTHERAPY
SEALED SOURCES