Challenges in clinical implementation of diffusing alpha-emitters radiation therapy (DaRT)

A novel brachytherapy approach had recently been proposed permitting the local delivery of alpha radiation at distances multiple millimeters away from the implanted device. The device releases short-lived alpha emitting sources from its surface; these alpha emitters travel in tissue through diffusion and convection, enabling the irradiation of areas proximal to the implantation site. Based on preliminary results on human subjects and on animals, this approach may permit the use of interstitial devices locally delivering high-LET alpha radiation for the treatment of solid tumors.(author)