TECHNIQUES OF AFTERLOADING IRIDIUM-192 INTERSTITIAL BRACHYTHERAPY IN VETERINARY MEDICINE |
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| Authors: | Jane M. Turrel DVM MS Philip D. Koblik DVM |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, where Dr. Turrel is an Assistant Professor and Dr. Koblik was a Postgraduate Researcher |
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| Abstract: | ![]()
Continuous low-dose-rate irradiation of animal tumors has become feasible through the implantation of iridium-192 by an afterloading technique. 192Ir is an ideal radioisotope for interstitial brachytherapy in veterinary medicine because of its 74.2-day half-life, medium-energy gamma radiation (0.35 MeV), moderate shielding requirements, low cost, and adaptability to most tumor configurations. The afterloading technique can easily be applied to veterinary patients. The effectiveness of interstitial brachytherapy may be enhanced by combination with surgery and/or hyperthermia. Computer-assisted dose calculations make afterloaded 192Ir implantation an accurate, precise method of interstitial brachytherapy. |
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| Keywords: | interstitial theraphy iridium-192 animal tumors |
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