Purpose: To study the effectiveness of a radioactive bandage incorporating a beta(-) emitter for the treatment of superficial tumours like melanoma.
Materials and methods: (188)Re tin particles were immobilized on a bandage patch ((188)Re bandage). The effectiveness of the (188)Re bandage for controlling tumour growth was tested in C57BL/6 mice bearing BL6/FIO melanoma. The effect of the single dose delivered, two-dose treatment and time of contact of bandages on the skin was studied by following tumour size.
Results: Tumour growth was delayed significantly in treated animals compared with controls. Complete tumour regression was observed with some doses of radiation. Histology studies and dose-rate calculations were also carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of (188)Re bandages.
Conclusions: Radioactive bandages could be a promising modality for the treatment of skin cancers.