Study of a new formulation for a phosphorus-32 polymeric source for use in brachytherapy

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate a new material for a phosphorus-32 polymeric film to use in brachytherapy for paraspinal and intracranial tumors and to analyze its activity distribution. Methods: As phosphorus-32 comes in the form of orthophosphoric acid, several tests were conducted to determine the best resin to encapsulate it. lnitially, acid without radiation was used. Each test was repeated at least five times to ensure its result. Two variables were checked to evaluate the results: whether the resin cured or not, and if the final product was flexible. AII tests were conducted with the selected resin being poured in molds of 5.0 x 5.0 x 0.04 cm. After selecting the considered suitable resins, acid with the active phosphorus-32 was used to produce the source. The film's activity was measured on an ionization chamber detector. After measuring the activity from the whole film, it was cut into pieces of 1.0 x 1.0 cm and then measured again to verify the activity's distribution. Results: From the resin tests, two of them stood out, for both their curing properties and malleability: silicone rubber with platinum catalyst and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Other resins evaluated whether did not cure or the film was considered not flexible. The activity measurements for the silicone rubber samples had a mean value of 227 .92 ± 1.30 MBq (or 6.160 ± 0.005 mCi) and the distribution was acceptable. For the PVA, the activity mean value was 243.09 ± 1.39 MBq (or 6,573 ± 0.005 mCi) and the distribution was also acceptable. Conclusion: This work indicates a potential for a new flexible brachytherapy source, which could improve the surgical technique for central nervous system tumor resection and treatment. The activity results were promising according to the literature for a HDR source and further investigation on its dosimetry is needed to evaluate it.