Using tailor-made sub-mm dimension doped-silica fibres, thermoluminescent dosimetric studies have been performed for α-emitting sources of (223)RaCl2 (the basis of the Bayer Healthcare product Xofigo®). The use of (223)RaCl2 in the palliative treatment of bone metastases resulting from late-stage castration-resistant prostate cancer focuses on its favourable uptake in metabolically active bone metastases. Such treatment benefits from the high linear energy transfer (LET) and associated short path length (<100µm) of the α-particles emitted by (223)Ra and its decay progeny. In seeking to provide for in vitro dosimetry of the α-particles originating from the (223)Ra decay series, investigation has been made of the TL yield of various forms of Ge-doped SiO2 fibres, including photonic crystal fibre (PCF) collapsed, PCF uncollapsed, flat and single-mode fibres. Irradiations of the fibres were performed at the UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Notable features are the considerable sensitivity of the dosimeters and an effective atomic number Zeff approaching that of bone, the glass fibres offering the added advantage of being able to be placed directly into liquid. The outcome of present research is expected to inform development of doped fibre dosimeters of versatile utility, including for applications as detailed herein.
Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine. 2017 Apr 14 [Epub ahead of print]
S F Abdul Sani, A S Siti Shafiqah, S M Collins, R P Hugtenburg, H A Abdul Rashid, Nurul Najua Zulkepely, M J Maah
Sunway University, Institute for Healthcare Development, 46150 PJ, Malaysia., Department of Physics, Kuliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Malaysia., National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW, England., Department of Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg UHB and School of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK., Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, 2010 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia., Department of Chemistry, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.