Chemically durable microspheres containing yttrium and/or phosphorus are useful for intra-arterial radiotherapy. In this study, we attempted to prepare yttrium phosphate (YPO₄) microspheres with high chemical durability. YPO₄ microspheres with smooth surfaces and diameters of around 25 μm were successfully obtained when gelatin droplets containing yttrium and phosphate ions were cooled and solidified in a water-in-oil emulsion and then heat-treated at 1100°C. The chemical durability of the heat-treated microspheres in a simulated body fluid at pH = 6 and 7 was high enough for clinical application of intra-arterial radiotherapy.
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