Speakers
Description
Abstract
Radiation therapy using Iodine-131 (I-131) is a widely employed treatment for thyroid disorders; however, it poses potential radiation exposure risks to patient caregivers due to gamma emissions from treated patients. This study estimates the radiation doses received by family members of patients undergoing I-131 therapy in Tanzania, where cultural practices and living conditions complicate adherence to international safety guidelines. Using the Particle and Heavy Ions Transport-code System (PHITS), exposure scenarios during hospitalization and post-discharge phases were modelled, accounting for proximity, activity levels, and caregiver-patient interactions. These models were utilized to estimate the radiation exposure to family members of patients treated with I-131 in Tanzania. Results indicate that family members assisting dependent patients during hospitalization received doses of 1.53, 2.33, and 2.99 mSv for 3700, 5550, and 7400 MBq, respectively. These doses are below the 5 mSv/episode limit but exceed the 1 mSv/year public dose limit. Post-hospitalization, the doses decreased significantly, with the highest exposure caused by close-contact activities. Meanwhile, transportation scenarios showed the exposure to be less than 1 mSv/year for short durations. Nevertheless, strict adherence to maintaining a one-meter distance and minimizing the duration of close contact is emphasized. These findings provide critical insights for maintaining public health while ensuring effective thyroid cancer treatment.
Keywords: Caregiver safety, family members, Iodine-131 therapy, PHITS simulation, radiation exposure, Tanzania, thyroid cancer.
