Novel intraocular shielding device for eye plaque brachytherapy using magnetite nanoparticles: A proof-of-concept study using radiochromic film and Monte Carlo simulations

Purpose: Eye plaque brachytherapy is a mainstay treatment for uveal melanomas despite potential toxicities to normal tissues. This work proposes a nanoparticle ferrofluid as a novel intraocular shielding device. With a modified magnetic plaque, the shielding particles are drawn to the tumor surface, attenuating dose beyond the tumor while maintaining prescription dose to the target.

Methods and materials: Ferromagnetic nanoparticles suspended in a silicone polymer were synthesized to provide a high-density shielding medium. The ferrofluid's half-value layer (HVL) was quantified for ¹²⁵I photons using radiochromic film and Monte Carlo methods. A magnetic COMS plaque was created and evaluated in its ability to attract ferrofluid over the tumor. Two ferrofluid shielding mediums were evaluated in their ability to attenuate dose at adjacent structures with in vitro measurements using radiochromic film, in addition to Monte Carlo studies.

Results: The shielding medium's HVL measured approximately 1.3 mm for an ¹²⁵I photon spectrum, using film and Monte Carlo methods. With 0.8 mL of shielding medium added to the vitreous humor, it proved to be effective at reducing dose to normal tissues of the eye. Monte Carlo-calculated dose reductions of 65%, 80%, and 78% at lateral distances 5, 10, and 18 mm from a tumor (5-mm apical height) in a modeled 20-mm COMS plaque.

Conclusions: The magnitude of dose reduction could reduce the likelihood of normal tissue side effects for plaque brachytherapy patients, including patients with normal tissues close to the plaque or tumor. Additional studies, safety considerations, and preclinical work must supplement these findings before use.