Brachytherapy with 125-iodine sources

Abstract

The estimates for the year 2009 show that 466,730 new cancer cases will occur in Brazil. Prostate cancer is the second most incident type. Brachytherapy, a type of radiotherapy, with Iodine-125 sources are an important form of treatment for this kind of cancer. The “Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares” (IPEN) created a project to develop a national prototype of these sources and is implementing a facility for local production. The seeds manufacture in Brazil will allow to diminish the treatment cost and make it possible for a larger number of patients. While the laboratory is not ready, the IPEN import and it distributes seeds. This work aim is to present and evaluate the transport procedures and the radiological protection applied to imported sources in order to assist the procedures for the new laboratory implementation. Before sending to hospitals, the seeds are packed by a radioprotector supervisor, in accordance with CNEN NE 5.01 standard “Transporte de Materiais Radioativos” (Radioactive Material Transport). Despite Iodine-125 presents low energy photons, around 29 keV, local and personal dosimeters are used during the transport process, as described in CNEN NN 3.01 standard “Diretrizes Básicas de Proteção Radiológica” (Radiological Protection Basic Guideline). All the results show no contamination and very low exposure, proving the method to be valid. The transport proceedure used is correct, according to the regulations. As an result of this work, a new dosimeter should be installed and evaluate in future study.