Contamination Tests After Radionuclide Therapy Applied to Thyroid and Prostate Cancer Patients

Abstract

Purpose: Radiation exposure and potential risks in nuclear medicine clinics are critical concerns for both patients undergoing treatment and the healthcare staff. This study aims to investigate the radiation risks for patients receiving radioactive iodine (131I) and 177Lu PSMA therapy during their isolation period in the hospital. Materials and Methods: In this study, contamination measurements were conducted in rooms of thyroid and prostate cancer patients treated with 131I and 177Lu PSMA in our Nuclear Medicine clinic. The tests performed on thyroid and prostate cancer patients were conducted in two phases: prior to and subsequent to the cleaning of the room, immediately following the patients' discharge. Findings: In the evaluation of sample counts, the average counts per minute (cpm) for 131I and 177Lu gamma counters were 217.6±136.7 cpm and 457.3±428.1 cpm, respectively. In the inhalation contamination test, discharge doses were <30 µSv/h, and the counts from Whatman-3 papers placed at the head of the beds before treatment were 129 cpm, 220 cpm, and 339.5 cpm. In the wipe test, the counts before room cleaning were 388.7±241.5; 292.7±308.8; 757.8±828.4; 12600±17272; 144.2±142; 1664.6±2534.8; 1247.7±1595.7; 21.6±17; and 500.5±197.2 cpm. The samples taken after room cleaning were 162±59.2; 232.2±133.7; 998.4±1418.6; 6216.6±13000; 299.2±708.6; 763.2±739.4; 508.2±239.5; 870.3±1314.6; and 843±601.2 cpm. The average counts for the measurements on staff shoe soles were 434.06±434.1 cpm. Conclusion: According to the measurement results, the radiation doses were within permissible limits, and no hazardous values were observed during and after isolation.