Gamma vs beta irradiation: which is superior?
BACKGROUND
The debate over which radioisotope, gamma-emitting or beta-emitting, is ideal for vascular brachytherapy, is as old as the field itself. Gamma isotopes such as Ir-192 have been successfully used in large-scale clinical trials. However, radiation protection and safety remains a practical issue when high energy gamma rays are used in interventional suites.


METHODS
In this report, we have evaluated dosimetric properties of currently available radiation sources, gamma and beta, in terms of their utility in vascular brachytherapy. Published data have been analyzed in comparing the depth doses of these two radiation modalities.


CONCLUSIONS
Our evaluation shows that significant dosimetric differences do exist between gamma and beta sources. The superiority of one over the other in clinical utility will more likely be determined by the outcome of human trials.
Division of Radiation Oncology, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. sjani@scripps.edu
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D001610:Beta Particles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods*; D005720:Gamma Rays / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D015607:Stents; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000532:radiotherapy*