A comparison of the biological effect of¹²⁵I and¹⁹²Ir gamma rays on the roots of<i>Vicia faba</i>using a specially designed applicator

Abstract

In a recent publication (Hering et al., 1978) some advantages of using 125I over 182Ta and other high energy γ-emitters have already been outlined and the importance of a knowledge of an RBE relative to those other radiation modalities stressed. An RBE relative to 182Ta was found to be 1.7 at a treatment distance of 2.3 cm, but virtually all treatments using 125I seeds are done at this hospital at a distance of 0.5 cm from the plane of the sources. Only occasionally distances of up to 1 cm are required.