Desenvolvimento de instalação para processamento de radioisótopos de utilização médica

Abstract

Cancer is a devastating disease that harms individuals, families, and society. Early diagnosis and effective treatments are extremely important for all. One of the most widely used pathways for diagnosis and treatment depends on radioactive isotopes. Before treatment, sealed radioactive sources are inserted close to inside the tumor by means of temporary or permanent implants, a technique known as brachytherapy. Iridium-192 is among the most used isotopes. In diagnosis, radioisotopes with a short half-life (of a few minutes or hours) are injected into the patient. The radiation goes through biological tissues and is detected by equipment external to the patient, allowing the physician to visualize the exact location of the disease. Among the most used, are iodine-131 and molybdenum-99. The production domain of these materials turns a country independent in the diagnosis / treatment of cancer. The molybdenum-99 supply crisis showed Brazil that there is a need to control the production of these materials. This thesis aims to present a conceptual plan for the building for processing such isotopes, inspired by the existing industrial radiopharmacy facility at IPEN in São Paulo. The experiences of researchers in the area, knowledge gained from technical visits to other facilities, and information acquired in congresses and technical meetings, were used. In this context, the blueprint of the processing building, the process used inside the production cells (for molybdenum-99, iridium-192, and iodine-131), and the conceptual design of the ventilation system were presented. Using the blueprint as a base, the following were also presented: all items of the installation; the classification of the radioactive area and the location of the area monitors; access for maintenance, personnel and material; and the air flow and classification plant. All of these items directly impacted the final installation layout. It is hoped that the work and concepts used will serve as a reference for the future construction of such an installation.