@article{ author = {A.S.Meigooni,}, title = {Recent developments in brachytherapy source dosimetry}, abstract ={Application of radioactive isotopes is the treatment of choice around the globe for many cancer sites. In this technique, the accuracy of the radiation delivery is highly dependent on the accuracy of radiation dosimetry around individual brachytherapy sources. Moreover, in order to have compatible clinical results, an identical method of source dosimetry must be employed across the world. This problem has been recently addressed by Task Group 43 (TG43) from the American Association of Medical Physics (AAPM) with a protocol for dosimetric characterizatio n of brachytherapy sources. This new protocol has been further updated using published data from international sources, by a new Task Group from the AAPM. This has resulted in an updated protocol known as TG43U1 that has been published in March 2004 issue of Medical Physics. The goal of this presentation is to review the original TG43 protocol and associated algorithms for brachytherapy source dosimetry. In addition, the shortcomings of the original protocol that has been resolved in the updated recommendation will be highlighted. I am sure that this is not the end of the line and more work is needed to complete this task. I invite the scientists to join this task and complete the project, with the hope of much better clinical results for cancer patients. Iran . J. Radiat. Res., 2004 2 (3): 97-105}, Keywords = {,, radiation dosimetry,Brachytherapy}, volume = {2}, Number = {3}, pages = {97-105}, publisher = {Dr. Hossein Mozdarani}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-64-en.html}, eprint = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-64-en.pdf}, journal = {International Journal of Radiation Research}, issn = {2322-3243}, eissn = {2345-4229}, year = {2004} } @article{ author = {A.R.Jalilian, and P.Rowshanfarzad, and J.Moafian, and M.Kamali-dehghan, and M.Mirzaii,}, title = {Preparation of [64Cu] Pyruvaldehyde-bis (N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) complex as a PET and/or therapeutic radiopharmaceutical}, abstract ={Background: Copper-64 (T1/2=12.7 h) is an important radionuclide used both in PET imaging and therapy. [64Cu]-pyruvaldehyde-bis (N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) ([64Cu]-PTSM) is one of the most famous copper radiopharmaceuticals with unique specifications (suitable half life, stability, etc.). The wide range of 64Cu applications arouse great interest for its production. Materials and Methods: Cu-64 was produced via the 68Zn (p, α n) 64Cu nuclear reaction and isolated from the irradiated target by a two-step chemical method. [64Cu]-PTSM was prepared using in-house made PTSM ligand and [64Cu] cuprous acetate. The complex formation parameter s (time, temperature, concentration and elution methods) were determined carefully. Results: Copper-64 was prepared in chloride form (≈200 mCi, >95% chemical yield at 180 μA for 1.1 h irradiation, radionuclidic purity >96%, copper-67 as impurity). The solution of 64Cu-PTSM was prepared in >80% radiochemical yield and more than 98% radiochemical purity. Quality controls and stability tests were performed for the final solution. Conclusion: [64Cu]-PTSM was prepared at the radiopharmaceutical scales with high quality and potential to be used in therapeutic/imaging centers. Iran . J. Radiat. Res., 2004 2 (3): 107-115}, Keywords = {,hypoxia imaging, cyclotron,targeted therapy, PTSM,Copper-64,PET}, volume = {2}, Number = {3}, pages = {107-115}, publisher = {Dr. Hossein Mozdarani}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-65-en.html}, eprint = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-65-en.pdf}, journal = {International Journal of Radiation Research}, issn = {2322-3243}, eissn = {2345-4229}, year = {2004} } @article{ author = {Sh.Akhlaghpoor, and H.Khani, and F.Kossari, and M.H.Zahmatkesh,}, title = {MRI evaluation of rabbit bone marrow after acute irradiation}, abstract ={Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe modality and useful in characterizing normal and abnormal bone marrow (BM). MRI also presents a more global view of BM than biopsy therefore, it may provide a better understanding of hematologic disorders. The purpose of this study was to monitor radiation-induced alterations of BM in acute phase of irradiation (1-10 day after total body irradiation (TBI)) with conventional MRI. Materials and Methods: Twelve New Zealand adult male white rabbits (10 for TBI and 2 as controls) were irradiated to 6 Gy gamma rays. MRI was performed for each rabbit femoral marrow and marginal muscles around femur region (as internal control) using T1- weighted (W) and SPIR (TR/TE 631/15) techniques before and after (24h, 48h, 72h, 5d, 10d) post TBI. Results: The results were expressed as MR signal ratio (mean MR signal of femur/mean MR signal of muscle). The BM MR –signal intensity (SI) values were subsequently compared to the histologic values of BM cellularity, edema and hemorrhage. Values of T1-SI of BM for 1 to 5 days after irradiation was smaller than those the values for before irradiation data (P < 0.006). SPIR-SI values of BM in 3, 5 and 10 days were less than values for before irradiation (P < 0.001). Since SI depends to edema and hemorrhage the high correlation between cellularity and T1-SI (r = 0.725, P = 0.018) or SPIR-SI(r = 0.814, P = 0.004) was not found. Conclusion: This study indicated that radiation-induced modification of BM-SI is tightly linked to the parameters like decline of all hematopoietic cell lines, edema and hemorrhage. It was concluded that MRI can distinguish normal from irradiated BM so that radiation-induced alterations in BM could be assessed with MRI. Iran . J. Radiat. Res., 2004 2 (3): 117-126}, Keywords = {,Acute irradiation,BM cellularity,BM edema & hemorrhage,MR -SI}, volume = {2}, Number = {3}, pages = {117-126}, publisher = {Dr. Hossein Mozdarani}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-66-en.html}, eprint = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-66-en.pdf}, journal = {International Journal of Radiation Research}, issn = {2322-3243}, eissn = {2345-4229}, year = {2004} } @article{ author = {S.M.J.Mortazavi, and A.Shareghi, and M.Ghiassi-Nejad, and A.Kavousi, and M.Jafari-Zadeh, and F.Nazeri, and H.Mozdarani,}, title = {The need for national diagnostic reference levels: Entrance surface dose measurement in intraoral radiography}, abstract ={Background: Intraoral radiographies are the most frequent X-ray examinations in humans. According to International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) recommendations, the selection of a diagnostic reference level (DRL) should be specific to a country or region. Critica l organs such as thyroid gland are exposed to X-rays in intraoral radiography and these exposures should be kept as low as reasonably achievable. To assist the development of DRLs for intraoral radiography, a National Radiation Protection Department-sponsored pilot study was carried out. Materials and Methods: Thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) is widely acknowledged to be the recommended method for measuring entrance surface doses (ESD). In this study, ESD was measured using LiF thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-100) on the skin (either mandibular or maxillary arcs) of 40 patients. Three TLD chips were placed on the skin of each patient. The doses were averaged for each radiography and mean ESD of all patients calculated. Results: The mean ± SD entrance surface dose at the center of the beam on the patients' skin in intraoral radiography was 1.173 ± 0.606 mGy (ranged from 0.01 to 0.40 mGy). The mean ESD for male and female patients were 1.380 ± 0.823, and 1.004 ± 0.258 respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between these means. Despite its necessity, in national level, there is no published data on the diagnostic reference levels for intraoral radiography. However, the results obtained in this study are lower than those reported by investigators in other countries. Conclusion: In IR Iran, due to lack of large scale studies, no diagnostic reference levels have been set for X-ray diagnostic procedures. Due to lack of national diagnostic reference levels, it is not possible to clarify whether in intraoral radiographies any dose reduction techniques are needed. We intend to perform similar nationwide studies to set the diagnostic reference level for intraoral radiography. Iran . J. Radiat. Res., 2004 2 (3): 127-133}, Keywords = {,TLD,entrance surface dose,Intraoral radiography}, volume = {2}, Number = {3}, pages = {127-133}, publisher = {Dr. Hossein Mozdarani}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-67-en.html}, eprint = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-67-en.pdf}, journal = {International Journal of Radiation Research}, issn = {2322-3243}, eissn = {2345-4229}, year = {2004} } @article{ author = {M.T.BahreyniToossi, and A.R.KhoshbinKhoshnazar,}, title = {Development of a prototype stereotactic collimation assembly for Neptun 10 PC linac}, abstract ={Background: A set of hardware stereotactic radiosurgery is designed and constructed. The scope of this article is to describe how we have designed and developed stereotactic collimation assembly for a 9 MV Neptun 10 PC linac. Materials and methods: One collimator holder and six collimators were made, with their radiation field diameter between 12.5 mm to 25 mm at isocenter level. Beam data, such as depth dose percent, off axis ratio and output factor of the collimators were measured. Isocentric accuracy and dose delivery, accuracy tests were also performed using locally made isocentric alignment control device, target simulator and plexiglass phantom. Results: Average isocenter shifts resulting from gantry and couch motion were respectively 1.5 mm and 2 mm. Simulating a stereotactic radiosurgery with the help of a plexiglass phantom showed less than one percent radiation leakage to critical organs such as eyes and thyroid. Conclusion: Stereotactic collimation assembly in conjunction with the rest of constructed equipments can be employed to set up SRS treatment, provided safety and to compensate operations are taken into account. Iran . J. Radiat. Res., 2004 2 (3): 135-140}, Keywords = {,isocenter,linear accelerator, auxiliary collimator,Stereotactic radiosurgery, phantom}, volume = {2}, Number = {3}, pages = {135-140}, publisher = {Dr. Hossein Mozdarani}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-68-en.html}, eprint = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-68-en.pdf}, journal = {International Journal of Radiation Research}, issn = {2322-3243}, eissn = {2345-4229}, year = {2004} } @article{ author = {G.H.Heravi, and H.Garshasbi, and J.KarimiDiba, and S.K.Asghari,}, title = {Monitoring of iodine-125 and iodine-131 in thyroid of individuals in nuclear medicine centers of North West provinces of Iran}, abstract ={Background: Due to volatility of radioactive iodine solutions, usually internal exposure would occur in personnel that are working in nuclear medicine centers. The activities in the thyroid of individual s who work in nuclear medicine centers of North West provinces of Iran were measured using NaI (Sodium Iodide) detectors. In every center, nearly 40 - 500 mCi of 131 I and 50 - 600 μ Ci of 125 I are used for diagnosis or treating patients, as well as monthly protein labeling. Materials and Methods: A portable measurement instrument was made for this purpose. A collimator with thickness of 10 mm lead thickness of copper alloy with 2 mm was made to focus the detector on thyroid gland and to reduce the background. Two NaI (Tl) detectors one with lower thickness for 125 I and one with higher thickness for 131I were used for measurement. The goal of these measurements was to determine the activity of radioiodines in the thyroid gland of individuals in medical centers, and to give some advice such as more care at their working place and increasing the power of their venting system for reducing radioiodines exposure. The detectors had been calibrated for 125I and 131I by a locally made ANSI/IAEA Plexiglass neck phantom (ANSI N44.3 1973). Results: There were not any contamination and thyroid activities of 125I in the thyroid glands of personnel. The activity of 131 I in the thyroid gland of individuals in all centers was lower than 0.4 kBq, and the activity of 131I in one center was as high as 3.4 kBq. The background of every place was determined and subtracted from each measurement. Conclusion: The results indicate that more measurements should have been carried out in all nuclear medicine centers to determine the activity of individuals' thyroid gland in Iran . In addition, the workers of those centers should try to reduce the intake and exposure to 131I and 125I using more care at their working place and more efficient ventilator. Iran . J. Radiat. Res., 2004 2 (3): 141-147}, Keywords = {,NaI (Tl) detectors,neck phantom,nuclear medicine centers,Radioiodine,thyroid}, volume = {2}, Number = {3}, pages = {141-147}, publisher = {Dr. Hossein Mozdarani}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-69-en.html}, eprint = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-69-en.pdf}, journal = {International Journal of Radiation Research}, issn = {2322-3243}, eissn = {2345-4229}, year = {2004} } @article{ author = {P.Rowshanfarzad, and A.R.Jalilian, and M.Sabet2, and M.Akhlaghi,}, title = {Production and quality control of 66Ga as a PET radioisotope}, abstract ={Background: 66Ga (t1/2=9.49 h, β+: 4.153 MeV, γ: 511, 834, 1039, 2752 keV) has a wide range of applications in different fields of medical sciences. Production of 66Ga became one of our main interests, according to its increasing applications in nuclear medicine, particularly in PET imaging. Materials and Methods: 66 Zn (p,n)66Ga reaction was determined as the best choice for the production of 66Ga, according to the present facilities and conditions. The bombardment was performed by 15 MeV protons in Cyclone 30-IBA accelerator with a current intensity of 180 μA for 67 min. ALICE nuclear code and SRIM nuclear program were used to determine the optimum energy and target thickness. Targets were prepared by electroplating of 66Zn (>95%) on a copper backing. Chemical processing was performed by a no carrier added method consisting of ion exchange chromatography and liquid-liquid extraction. Anion exchange chromatography was used for the recovery of target material. Quality control of the product was carried out in two steps of chemical and radionuclidic purity control. Results: The activity of 66Ga was 2.41 Ci at the end of bombardment (E.O.B.) and the production yield was 12.04 mCi/μAh. The chemical separation yield was 93% and the yield of chemica l recovery of the target material was 97%. Quality control tests showed a radionuclidic purity of more than 97% and the amounts of chemical impurities were in accordance with standard levels. Discussion: Our production yield was comparable with previous reports given in the literature. The chemical separation method used in this research was simple and brought up acceptable results. So, this process can be considered as one of the best choices for the production of 66Ga. Iran . J. Radiat. Res., 2004 2 (3): 149-158}, Keywords = {,chemical separation,cyclotron,66Zn production,66Ga,quality control}, volume = {2}, Number = {3}, pages = {149-158}, publisher = {Dr. Hossein Mozdarani}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-70-en.html}, eprint = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-70-en.pdf}, journal = {International Journal of Radiation Research}, issn = {2322-3243}, eissn = {2345-4229}, year = {2004} } @article{ author = {A.Kazemian, and H.R.DehghanManshadi, and M.SardariKermani,}, title = {Sinonasal Teratocarcinosarcoma Report of a case}, abstract ={Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (SNTCS) is a rare tumor characterized by mixture architecture of epithelial and mesenchymal components. SNTCS is a highly malignant tumor displaying progressive and aggressive growth with poor prognosis. Only about 40% of all patients survive after five years. It seems the combination of surgery and radiotherapy currently is the most effective treatment. In this report we are presenting a 24-year-old Iranian male with SNTCS of right nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses who was referred to our radiotherapeutic Oncology department, Tehran cancer institute, for post operative radiation treatment. The patient is treated with combination of surgical excision, postoperative radiation therapy and then followed for 10 months. The clinical and pathologic features, as well as its clinical course are presented. SNTSC is a rare condition and rapid progressive tumor. So far, the most widely accepted therapeutic plan for its treatment has been surgical excision with postoperative radiation therapy. Iran . J. Radiat. Res., 2004 2 (3): 159-162}, Keywords = {,Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma,teratoid carcinosarcoma}, volume = {2}, Number = {3}, pages = {159-162}, publisher = {Dr. Hossein Mozdarani}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-71-en.html}, eprint = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-71-en.pdf}, journal = {International Journal of Radiation Research}, issn = {2322-3243}, eissn = {2345-4229}, year = {2004} } @article{ author = {Sh.Akhlaghpoor,}, title = {Report of national training course on “Medical preparedness and response to radiation emergencies”, 2-6 Oct. 2004, Tehran, Iran}, abstract ={During the past years, special emphasis was put on medical preparedness in the event of radiological or nuclear emergencies. Novin Medical Radiation Institute (NMRI) encouraged and supported the national authorities to enhance their cooperation in improving medical response to radiation accident. NMRI in cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), within the framework of the IAEA Regional Model Project RAW/09/009 “Development of Technical Capabilities for Sustainable Radiation Protection Program” in West Asia region, has organized this training course. It was a very well organized workshop about the Medical Preparedness and Medical Response to Radiation Accident which was held for the first time in Iran.}, Keywords = {}, volume = {2}, Number = {3}, pages = {163-164}, publisher = {Dr. Hossein Mozdarani}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-72-en.html}, eprint = {http://ijrr.com/article-1-72-en.pdf}, journal = {International Journal of Radiation Research}, issn = {2322-3243}, eissn = {2345-4229}, year = {2004} }