Possible Use of Xenon-133 in Cancer Therapy

The 31 and 81 keV x- and gamma-ray emissions, curie level specific activity, 5 day half-life, and reasonable cost make ¹³³Xe an attractive source for use in cancer implantation therapy. The qualifications of ¹³³Xe as an implantation source, and an analysis of shielding and absorption characteristics are discussed. A method for source fabrication using liquid nitrogen cryo-pumping and heat sealing of plastic tubing is described.