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Bremsstrahlung radiation dose in yttrium-90 therapy applications
M G Stabin1, K F Eckerman, J C Ryman
1Radiation Internal Dose Information Center, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, TN 37831-0117.
Summary
The bremsstrahlung radiation from beta emitters like Yttrium-90 (90Y) is often overlooked in internal dosimetry. Our study quantifies this dose, finding it significant for organs beyond the source, particularly in therapy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiation Dosimetry
Background:
- The bremsstrahlung component of beta emitter decay has been historically disregarded in internal dosimetry.
- Accurate internal dosimetry is crucial for effective radionuclide therapy and radiation safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the radiation dose from the bremsstrahlung component of Yttrium-90 (90Y).
- To assess the contribution of bremsstrahlung to overall dosimetry in various scenarios, including point and distributed sources.
Main Methods:
- Calculated bremsstrahlung dose from a point source of 90Y in a liquid medium.
- Estimated dose to organs from distributed 90Y sources in the liver and spleen.
- Validated estimates against experimental measurements in a Rando phantom.
Main Results:
- Bremsstrahlung dose estimates align with experimental measurements.
- Self-dose contribution from bremsstrahlung within an organ is minimal compared to beta dose.
- Dose contribution to other organs from bremsstrahlung can be substantial, especially with large 90Y quantities.
Conclusions:
- Bremsstrahlung from 90Y is a non-negligible factor in internal dosimetry, particularly for dose to organs other than the source.
- This finding is especially relevant for therapeutic applications involving significant amounts of 90Y.
- Incorporating bremsstrahlung calculations can improve the accuracy of internal dosimetry for beta emitters.