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New Technique for Interstitial Irradiation of Brain Tumors

Journal Article · · Journal of Neurosurgery
A method for the interstitial irradiation of intracranial neoplasms by the implantation of Ir¹⁹² is described, and its use in patients is demonstrated. It provides high doses to specific volumes of tumor-containing tissue with limited irradiation elsewhere, making it possible to spare normal tissue and adjacent vital structures. The method supplants the use of Ra need1es and Rn seeds. Ir¹⁹² has the advantage over Co⁶⁰ of emitting much softer gamma rays, which are absorbed locally to a larger extent by tumor tissue and is more easily shielded by lead. The half life (74.37 days) of Ir¹⁹² is much shorter than that of Co⁶⁰ or Ra, but is long enough in contrast to Rn or Au¹⁹⁸ to permit storage for over 2 months. Also, I¹⁹² can be produced in much smaller sizes than Rn or Au/sup 198/ sources. Ir¹⁹² is used as seeds placed at fixed intervals in fine, flexible, nylon-ribbon carriers. The seeds were made by encasing Ir/sup 192/ in stainless steel. The procedure is carried out under direct vision at the time of craniotomy, the ribbons being inserted in a parallel fashion at a distance as near to 1 cm from each other as possible, to provide all portions of the implanted area with the full calculated dose of irradiation. A tissue dose of 5000-6000 r is achieved in 4-7 days with seeds having an initial activity equivalent to 0.3 to 0.5 mg of Ra. In operations using this technique, the surgeon receives less than 21 mr, the radiologist assisting the surgeon even less, and others show no evidence of exposure. These figures are well below the allowable maximum per week, and with experience can be reduced. (P.C.H.)
Research Organization:
Presbyterian Hospital, New York
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-17-013901
OSTI ID:
4750870
Journal Information:
Journal of Neurosurgery, Journal Name: Journal of Neurosurgery Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 18; ISSN 0022-3085
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English

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