A simplified approach to alpha dosimetry for small spheres labelled on the surface

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The radiation doses to spheres of radii 5-200 mu m, labelled on the surface with alpha emitters were studied in order to simulate conditions of radioimmunotherapy for small tumours. The absorbed fraction of emitted energy and the mean absorbed dose per alpha particle in smaller concentric spherical targets were calculated for different source sizes. Calculations were first performed for monoenergetic emissions. The authors then considered the dosimetry of two common alpha emitters described in the literature (211At and 212Bi). The results agree well with different analytical approaches reported in the literature, but differ from those obtained using a Monte Carlo code. The computing features have been deliberately kept to a low level to allow for simple introduction into hospital work. Comparison of the mean absorbed dose per particle between alpha and beta emitters seems to favour the use of alpha emitters. However, their high toxicity introduces a practical radiation protection problem.