Radiotherapy Dose Optimization in Target Tissues Using Internal Radiation-Generating Devices and Microspheres

Abstract

Preferentially delivering ionizing radiation to target tissues during radiotherapy procedures is investigated using internal radiation-generating devices and microspheres loaded with radioactive material. This chapter presumes the existence of internal radiation-generating devices and develops their requisite characteristics to permit the selective irradiation of tumors. The feasibility of disrupting a tumor's vascular structure is also investigated. Calculated absorbed dose proiles for both approaches demonstrate that dose can be successfully localized in a target tissue while minimizing the delivery to healthy tissue.