The development belongs to scientists from the Laboratory of Nuclear Technologies of the Institute of High-Tech Technologies and Advanced Materials of FEFU, the Primorsky Regional Oncology Dispensary and the Pacific State Medical University. The results of the study were published in the international scientific journal Ceramics International, they have scientific value for the international medical community by solving one of the serious problems of modern cancer therapy. Ionizing radiation affecting the eyes can lead to the development of cataracts and vision loss in patients.
To preserve patients' vision, individual protective shields are used in world practice. But the fact is that they are often made on the basis of heavy and toxic metals, such as lead, which creates additional health risks.
In Russia, there were no own solutions before. However, Far Eastern scientists have developed their own version of eye protection without toxic compounds of heavy elements.
The product was manufactured using modern approaches and provided absorption of more than 99% of the incident radiation, including secondary radiation, due to the additional layer of polymer in the shield device. This indicates an obvious prospect for replacing traditional lead screens, including solving the problem of their toxicity. It is important to note that products can be manufactured individually for each patient.
The material was based on dense ceramics made of durable refractory metal. It is ideal for medical use, but has not previously been used to protect against ionizing radiation in the periorbital region. The prototype of the product was tested in real conditions of radiation therapy on the basis of the Primorsky Regional Oncology Dispensary. Now clinical trials of the developed shields are planned and their design will be optimized for practical use in medical institutions in Russia.
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