This work analyzes SiO2 and SiO2-CaO glasses incorporated with samarium atoms produced by sol-gel synthesis. The goal is to provide biocompatible and biodegradable radioactive seeds as an alternative to be used in brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. The chemical and physical characteristics of the obtained glasses were analyzed by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, He picnometry, and nitrogen adsorption analysis. A theoretical analysis of the process of neutron activation of the samples was also conducted through the calculation of the activity of the seeds and the beta- and gamma-ray doses emitted by the seeds. The results demonstrate the incorporation of samarium atoms in the glass matrix. The experimental data coupled with the theoretical studies in neutron activation suggest that it is possible to obtain radioactive seeds with activities equivalent to 125I seeds used in prostatic brachytherapy.
This work analyses the production of bioactive glasses by sol-gel synthesis, incorporated with samarium atoms. The objective is to provide biocompatible and biodegradable radioactive seeds as an alternative to be used in Brachytherapy for the treatment of prostatic cancer. The glasses were produced and analyzed by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDXA), X-Ray diffraction analysis, He picnometry and nitrogen adsorption analysis. A theoretical analysis of the process of neutron activation of the samples was also conducted, through the calculation of the activity of the seeds, and the beta and gamma-ray doses emitted by the seeds The neutron activation evaluation suggests that it is possible to obtain radioactive seeds with the equivalent activities of 125 I used in prostate brachytherapy.
Nanocomposites formed of natural-origin iron oxide nanoparticles (magnetite and maghemite, Fe 3 O 4 and γ-Fe 2 O 3 , respectively) were processed using the solgel process into core-shell structures containing silica and samarium to investigate their potential for applications in cancer treatments combining hyperthermia and brachytherapy. Mössbauer characterization showed that the iron oxides contained 64% magnetite, 18% hematite, 12% maghemite, and exhibit superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. Transmission electron microscopy determined that the iron oxide particles were smaller than 15 nm, while magnetization was measured at 5 emu/g. Fourier transform infrared indicated the material was formed of Si-O-Si and Fe-O-Si bonds, while X-ray diffraction showed bands of amorphous silica from 5° to 23° and bands of iron oxide phases. X-ray fluorescence indicated 5.17% of incorporated samarium. The nanocomposite suspensions were subjected to an alternating magnetic field and the resulting heat dissipation was measured, falling within the ideal range for hyperthermia applications. Theoretical dosimetric calculation determined significant radioactive activity of 1.68x10 -8 MBq.mg −1 .Φ −1 after 24h decay time for 153 Sm. The characteristics and behavior of these nanocomposites indicate that they may offer promise in applications involving hyperthermia for cancer treatment and a more accessible source for brachytherapy materials.
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