Introduction

Intraoperative probe capable of locating, within the operative site, tumor residues labelled with beta-emitting radiopharmaceuticals. By making the identification of the residues easier, the use of this device ensures achieving the most promising results for cancer residue removal.

Technical features

Beta-emitters radionuclides release their energy into biological tissues around 2-10 mm. This feature of low penetration (short range), allows the identification of tumor residues only in the immediate vicinity of the tumors themselves. Identifying residual present at a greater distance requires detecting the secondary bremsstrahlung radiation, emitted also by the beta particles; which is able to penetrate the tissue several centimetres, although it is a weaker particle. The intraoperative probe described detects radioactive drugs with beta emission radionuclides in the tissues and consists of two selective sensors: one based on the bremsstrahlung radiation (X-rays, 10-100 Kev), for the spatial identification of the ‘centimetre order’ (1-10 cm), the other for the subsequent identification of the signals sensitive to primary radiation (beta).

Possible Applications

• Radiotherapy;
• Detection of small and medium tumoral lesions;
• Detection of hidden beta or gamma sources.

Advantages

• Works with approved radiopharmaceuticals;
• Handling probe;
• Possibility of integration in laparoscopic/robotic surgery systems;
• Use of commercial sensors;
• Possibility of identifying the beta emitters within tissue at distances of a few centimeters.