Considerations on radiation source selection and utilization in vascular brachytherapy

Three radiation sources have been approved for commercial use in vascular brachytherapy. The beta sources ((90)Strontium and (32)Phosphorous) are more popular because of less radiation protection concerns than gamma sources. Because (90)Strontium has a longer half-life than (32)Phosphorous, it requires less frequent source exchanges. Also, because (90)Strontium is more penetrating, a similar benefit can be achieved with lower delivered doses. Based on these advantages, (90)Strontium is the preferred isotope for vascular brachytherapy.