[Criteria for an optimal isotope in gynecologic radiotherapy]

With regard to the evident disadvantages of radium, nowadays an artificial radiation source always should be considered, since it may be much more favorable for any intracavity application. The most usual ones are Cs-137, Co-60 and Ir-192. Each of these isotopes has its advantages and disadvantages; therefore the choice of the isotope must take into account the criteria and requirements for each intracavitary radiation technique.