REMOTE AFTERLOADING BRACHYTHERAPY APPARATUS USING LIQUID RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPE

摘要

The present invention relates to a remote afterloading brachytherapy apparatus using liquid radioactive isotopes and, more particularly, to a remote afterloading brachytherapy apparatus for treating skin cancer that develops on an irregular skin surface. The remote afterloading brachytherapy apparatus using liquid radioactive isotopes of the present invention is capable of placing a therapeutic liquid radioactive isotope at regular intervals from a lesion using 3D scanning and/or 3D printing techniques through a patient-specific applicator, and placing a liquid radioactive isotope at a constant thickness to deliver a uniform prescription dose. The use of liquid radioactive isotopes allows flexible application to an irregular skin surface of a patient, and a liquid beta ray source or a low-energy gamma ray source may be used so that radiation exposure of normal tissues is minimized; it is thus expected that patients with skin cancer, who are difficult to treat with conventional surgical or radiation therapy techniques, may be treated without complications. In addition, radiation exposure of medical staff and operators who perform the treatment for patients using radioactive isotopes may be prevented through the remote afterloading.