palladium103

Palladium-103 is a radioactive isotope of palladium. Its most common use is as a source of low-energy gamma rays in brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy used to treat certain types of cancer. Specifically, palladium-103 seeds are implanted directly into tumors, typically for prostate cancer, but also for other localized cancers. The radiation emitted by the palladium-103 decays over time, destroying cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

The decay of palladium-103 is characterized by its relatively short half-life, which is approximately 17 seconds. This means that the radioactivity of a palladium-103 source significantly decreases over a short period, reducing the duration of radiation exposure. The primary decay mode of palladium-103 is electron capture, which results in the emission of characteristic X-rays and low-energy gamma rays. These emitted photons are what deliver the therapeutic dose to the tumor.

The use of palladium-103 in brachytherapy offers several advantages, including its ability to deliver a precise dose of radiation to the target area. The low energy of its emissions also contributes to its localized effect. The seeds are typically delivered using specialized needles and applicators, allowing for accurate placement within the tumor. While palladium-103 has been largely superseded by other isotopes like Iodine-125 and Cesium-131 in some brachytherapy applications, it remains a viable option for specific clinical scenarios.