Measurement of radiation absorbed dose in endovascular Ho-166 brachytherapy using a balloon angio-catheter

The purpose of this study was to estimate the absorbed dose distribution of Ho-166 endovascular beta irradiation using an angio-catheter. The liquid form of Ho-166 was produced at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) by an (n,gamma) reaction. Ho-166 has a half-life of 26.8 h and emits a high-energy beta particle with a maximum energy of 1.85 MeV. GafChromic film was used for the estimation of the absorbed dose of beta particles. A Co-60 teletherapy source and a 6 MV photon beam from a linear accelerator were used to generate dose-optical density calibration curves. The exposed films were read using a videodensitometer. With a modified micrometer, the film was positioned accurately on the surface of the balloon in water. The balloon was filled with Ho-166 solution to a pressure of 4 atm. Several film exposures were made with varying irradiation times and activities. The radiation absorbed dose rates were 1.02, 0.51 and 0.35 Gy x min(-1) x GBq(-1) x ml(-1) at the balloon surface, 0.5 and 1 mm from the balloon surface, respectively. The absorbed dose distribution revealed that Ho-166 is a good source for endovascular irradiation as the beta range is very short, avoiding unnecessary irradiation of normal tissue. A clinically applicable irradiation and duration of exposure were achievable utilizing our system.