Bioevaluation of radioactive bandages in a murine model of melanoma

Abstract

Purpose: To study the effectiveness of a radioactive bandage incorporating a β⁻ emitter for the treatment of superficial tumours like melanoma.

Materials and methods: ¹⁸⁸Re tin particles were immobilized on a bandage patch (¹⁸⁸Re bandage). The effectiveness of the ¹⁸⁸Re bandage for controlling tumour growth was tested in C57BL/6 mice bearing BL6/FIO melanoma. The effect of the single dose delivered, two‐dose treatment and time of contact of bandages on the skin was studied by following tumour size.

Results: Tumour growth was delayed significantly in treated animals compared with controls. Complete tumour regression was observed with some doses of radiation. Histology studies and dose‐rate calculations were also carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of ¹⁸⁸Re bandages.

Conclusions: Radioactive bandages could be a promising modality for the treatment of skin cancers.