Samarium-145 and its use as a radiation source

USH669H · kind H · statutory invention registration

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the United States · US

Inventors

• Ralph G. Fairchild · Port Jefferson, US
• Brenda Laster · Plainview, US
• Samuel Packer · Floral Park, US

Key dates

• Grant date: Sep 5, 1989

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

The present invention covers a new radiation source, samarium-145, with radiation energies slightly above those of I-125 and a half-life of 340 days. The samarium-145 source is produced by neutron irradiation of SM-144. This new source is useful as the implanted radiation source in photon activation therapy of malignant tumors to activate the stable I-127 contained in the IdUrd accumulated in the tumor, causing radiation sensitization and Auger cascades that irreperably damage the tumor cells. This new source is also useful as a brachytherapy source.