Abstract
3073
Introduction: The recent FDA approval of Lutetium-177 Dotatate Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy poses substantial radiation risks to Nuclear Medicine Technologists. Therefore, in order to reduce radiation exposure to the technologist, it is important to take extra precautions when handling Lutetium-177. This analysis investigates radiation exposure concerns for technologists administering Lutathera and examines the effectiveness of commercially available plastic shielding at reducing exposure to the technologist.
Methods: This analysis utilizes Lutetium-177 Dotatate therapies performed with 10 patients’ ages ranging from 30-75. It uses three different measuring methods to determine the levels of radiation exposure during administration of Lutetium-177 Dotatate. The following is a description of the variables used and of the frequency distributions for these variables. Measurement 1 : Radiation exposure at surface and 1 meter without Plexiglass Measurement 2 : Radiation exposure at surface and 1 meter using 2mm Acrylic Plexiglass Measurement 3 : Radiation exposure at surface and 1 meter using 5.6mmAcrylic Plexiglass After setting up the Lutathera vial, measurements were taken and recorded before beginning the patient's infusion using a survey meter. For Measurement 1, exposure rate was recorded at the surface of Lutathera vial and at 1 meter. For Measurement 2 and 3, Plexiglass was placed around the Lutathera vial and measurements were taken at the surface of Plexiglass and at 1 meter.
Results: Measurements compared between 2mm and 5.6mm plexiglass remained almost equivalent throughout each trial. Exposure rate at one meter and at the surface shows a significant difference when surveyed with and without the plexiglass.
Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates the capability of commercially available plastic shielding at reducing the exposure to the technologist while administering Lutathera. Supporting data: