Balloon brachytherapy for brain tumor-radiation safety experiences at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Balloon brachytherapy is a technique for the removal of a brain tumor in which an inflatable balloon is placed in a resection cavity and then filled with liquid I, delivering low energy dose to the cancerous cells surrounding the cavity. After preparing a patient room to mitigate any spills or contamination, liquid 125I (Iotrex) was assayed with a dose calibrator and injected into the balloon placed in the patient's brain. Approximately 98.6% of the isotope was recovered at the end of the procedure. Approximately 1.4% remained unrecovered and is assumed to have diffused through the balloon membrane. Each day, the patient's urine was collected and the total urine activity measured was less than 7% of the unrecovered activity. The remainder of the unrecovered activity was not evaluated. It was assumed to be distributed in the patient's body, and a tiny quantity of liquid spilled from an IV line while injecting. Training was conducted for radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, and participating residents regarding balloon brachytherapy radiation safety precautions. Precautions during treatment included safe handling of body fluids. General radiation safety precautions and nursing care instructions were posted on the patient door. Air monitoring was conducted to detect any airborne iodine. At the time of balloon removal, the radiation safety department monitored the operating room and staff for contamination. Waste, including the balloon, was held for decay on site prior to disposal.