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Beta emitters and radiation protection
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. lajo@rn.dk
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|September 4, 2008
Summary
Safe handling of beta emitters like Yttrium-90 (90Y) requires specific shielding. Using perspex or aluminum, with an optional lead layer, minimizes bremsstrahlung radiation and ensures safety during cancer treatment preparation.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Radiation oncology
- Medical physics
Background:
- Beta emitters, including Yttrium-90 (90Y), are vital in cancer therapy.
- Handling beta emitters necessitates distinct safety measures compared to gamma emitters, particularly regarding radiation shielding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline practical handling precautions for beta emitters.
- To determine optimal shielding strategies for 90Y, comparing it with Lutetium-177 (177Lu) and Iodine-131 (131I).
Main Methods:
- Calculated electron ranges for 131I, 177Lu, and 90Y.
- Computed bremsstrahlung yields for 90Y shielded with lead, aluminum, or perspex.
- Measured bremsstrahlung spectrum and dose during 90Y-Zevalin preparation.
Main Results:
- Determined optimal shielding materials to reduce bremsstrahlung for 90Y.
- Quantified dose reductions achievable with specific shielding configurations.
- Demonstrated that lead is not ideal for shielding 90Y due to bremsstrahlung.
Conclusions:
- Effective shielding is crucial for minimizing radiation exposure during beta emitter handling.
- Perspex (10 mm) or aluminum (5 mm) are recommended for shielding 90Y to reduce bremsstrahlung.
- Adding a thin layer of lead externally can further attenuate bremsstrahlung radiation, ensuring safe handling procedures.
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