Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
04:36
Production of Synthetic Nuclear Melt Glass
Published on: January 4, 2016
Fabrication of cesium-137 brachytherapy sources using vitrification technology
Ashutosh Dash1, R N Varma, Ramu Ram
1Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai, India. adash@barc.gov.in
Cancer Biotherapy & Radiopharmaceuticals
|August 22, 2009
Summary
This study details the large-scale production of cesium-137 (137Cs) brachytherapy sources for cervical cancer treatment. Developed safety measures ensure minimal radioactive leakage, making these sources safe and effective for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Cesium-137 (137Cs) sources in stainless steel are crucial for brachytherapy in treating cervical cancer.
- Current reliance on imported brachytherapy sources necessitates domestic production capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the large-scale preparation of 137Cs brachytherapy sources.
- To ensure the safety and efficacy of domestically produced 137Cs sources.
- To reduce national dependence on imported brachytherapy materials.
Main Methods:
- Vitrification of 137Cs-sodium borosilicate glass into spheres.
- Casting glass spheres into platinum molds and cutting into 5mm pieces.
- Silver coating and encapsulation in stainless steel, with safety protocols for 137Cs containment.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated 137Cs brachytherapy sources meeting safety and quality standards.
- Leach rates of the radioactive sources were within permissible limits.
- Over 1000 sources produced using 4.66 TBq (126 Ci) of 137Cs.
Conclusions:
- The developed technology enables safe and effective large-scale production of 137Cs brachytherapy sources.
- These sources are suitable for brachytherapy applications, promoting domestic availability.
- The initiative successfully reduced reliance on imported brachytherapy sources.
