Single-cell dosimetry for radioimmunotherapy of B-cell lymphoma patients with special reference to leukemic spread

Aims: Many lymphoma patients have both macroscopic tumors and single-cell manifestations of their disease. Treatment efficacy could, therefore, depend on the radionuclide used. The aim of this study was to investigate dosimetry at a cellular level for three isotopes of radioiodine. Methods: Cells were assumed to be spherical with radii of 6.35, 7.7, and 9.05 mu m corresponding to the dimensions of the Raji cells. The radius of the nucleus was assumed to be 75% of the cellular radius. The electron energies were 18, 28, and 190 keV, corresponding to the mean electron energy per decay for I-125, I-123, and I-131, respectively. S-values for different activity distributions were simulated using Monte Carlo and dose-volume histograms as well as absorbed doses, and absorbed dose rates were calculated. Results: I-125 gives the highest absorbed dose (similar to 4-40 times that of I-131), whereas I-123 Will give the highest absorbed dose rate (similar to 100 times that of I-131). Under the given assumptions, the absorbed dose at this level is more dependent on the Size of the cells than on whether the radioimmunoconjugate is internalized. Conclusions: This enquiry showed that both I-123 and I-125 have greater potential than I-131 for the treatment of leukemic spread in patients With lymphoma.