Dose Assessment of Phosphorus-32 (32P) for the Treatment of Recurrent Pterygium

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

1 Shahid Beheshti University, Faculty of Nuclear Engineering, Radiation-Medicine Department, Tehran, Iran

2 Radiation Application Research School, Nuclear Science & Technology Research Institute (NSRTI), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Pterygium is a wing-shaped, vascular, fleshy growth that originates from the conjunctiva and can spread into the corneal limbus and beyond. Beta irradiation after bare sclera surgery of primary pterygium is a simple, effective, and safe treatment, which reduces the risk of local recurrence.
Materials and Methods
Dosimetric components of strontium-90 (90Sr), phosphorous-32 (32P), and ruthenium-106 (106Ru), in form of ophthalmic applicators, were evaluated, using the Monte Carlo method.
Results
The obtained results indicated that 32P applicator could deliver higher doses (about 10 Gy) to a target, located within a close distance from the surface, compared to 90Sr and 106Ru; it also delivered a lower dose to normal tissues.
Conclusion
The risk of pterygium has increased given the geographical location and climate of Iran. Spread of dust in the country over the past few years has also contributed to the rising rate of this condition. Our results showed that using 32P applicator is a cost-effective method for pterygium treatment.

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Main Subjects

Iranian Journal of Medical Physics
Volume 11, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
November and December 2014
Pages 328-333

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 February 2014
  • Revise Date: 29 November 2014
  • Accept Date: 18 June 2014

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