Method for preparing particles of radioactive powder containing Cesium-131 for use in brachytherapy sources
The present invention provides a method of preparing Cesium-131 (Cs-131) as a dispersed radioisotope. Uses of the dispersed Cs-131 prepared by the method include cancer research and treatment, such as for the use in brachytherapy. Cs-131 is particularly useful in the treatment of faster growing tumors.
1. A method for preparing particles of radioactive powder containing Cs-131, comprising the step of contacting Cs-131 with a material to produce microparticles of radioactive powder containing Cs-131, wherein the material comprises a crystalline silicotitanate and an aluminosilicate.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the material consists of a crystalline silicotitanate and an aluminosilicate.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising exposing the radioactive particles to a bonding agent, whereby the agent increases the retention of the Cs-131 by the particles.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the bonding agent is heat.
5. A method for preparing a brachytherapy device, comprising the step of dispersing the radioactive particles prepared according to the method of any one of claims 1 - 4 in an organic, polymeric or inorganic matrix.
6. A brachytherapy device, comprising a device prepared according to the method of claim 5 .
7. A method of treating a tumor susceptible to radiation from Cs-131, comprising the step of subjecting the tumor to the brachytherapy device of claim 6 .
8. A brachytherapy device, comprising microparticles of radioactive powder containing Cs-131, wherein the microparticles comprise Cs-131 and a crystalline silicotitanate and an aluminosilicate.
9. The brachytherapy device of claim 8 wherein the microparticles consist of Cs-131, a crystalline silicotitanate and an aluminosilicate.
10. The brachytherapy device of claim 8 or 9 wherein the microparticles are dispersed in an organic, polymeric or inorganic matrix.
11. A method of treating a tumor susceptible to radiation from Cs-131, comprising the step of subjecting the tumor to the brachytherapy device of claim 8 or claim 9 .
12. A method of treating a tumor susceptible to radiation from Cs-131, comprising the step of subjecting the tumor to the brachytherapy device of claim 10 .