A Facile Strategy for Preparation of Yttrium-90 Therapeutic Sources for Radionuclide Therapy

Background: Mold brachytherapy using high-energy β--emitting radioisotopes is a promising treatment modality for skin cancers and keloids. Simple methodologies for consistent and stable incorporation of radionuclides into the matrix are desired for preparation of therapeutic sources. Methods: The authors report a facile strategy for the stable incorporation of Yttrium-90 (90Y) into amidoxime-functionalized polyacrylonitrile-polyvinylidene fluoride (PAN-PVDF) membranes. The strategy consisted of surface modification of PAN-PVDF membranes by reaction with hydroxylamine, characterization of the functionalized membranes, and optimization of experimental variables for maximum loading of 90Y onto the membranes. Quality control tests essential for confirming the suitability of the 90Y therapeutic sources for human application, such as uniformity of activity distribution, absence of leaching of activity, and estimation of surface contamination, were performed. Theoretical calculations to estimate the dose imparted by the 90Y therapeutic sources at varying depths of tissue were also carried out to predict the possible therapeutic outcome of treatment. Results: A facile method for large-scale preparation of 90Y-based mold brachytherapy sources could be established. Conclusions: The source fabrication methodology standardized in this work could be tailored for fabrication of custom-made 90Y sources for individualized treatment of superficial tumors, Bowen's disease, and keloids.