Abstract: A brachytherapy device including a base adapted for being at least partially introduced into a body of a subject and a plurality of radionuclide atoms of a first alpha-emitting isotope, coupled to the base in a manner that not more than 15% of the radionuclide atoms leave the base in 24 hours, in methods other than radioactive decay. When installed in a human subject, the brachytherapy device emits radionuclide atoms of the first alpha-emitting isotope at a rate of at least 0.1% of the number of radionuclide atoms of the first alpha-emitting isotope coupled to the base, per 24 hours.

Abstract: A method for treating a tumor, comprising identifying a tumor as a prostate cancer tumor and implanting in the tumor identified as a prostate cancer tumor, at least one diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy (DaRT) source with a suitable radon release rate and for a given duration, such that the source provides during the given duration a cumulated activity of released radon between 7 Mega becquerel (MBq) hour and 14.7 MBq hour, per centimeter length.

Abstract: A template assembly including a first grid (22) for placement on a first side of a body organ, defining a plurality of apertures (329) adapted to receive elongate applicators (410), a second grid (24) for placement on a second side of a body organ, defining a plurality of apertures (34), adapted to receive applicators passing through apertures of the first grid and the body organ and at least one frame (26) defining a large hole (72), positioned between the first and second grids and configured to grasp the body organ.

Abstract: An interstitial source including a base suitable for implanting in a tumor and alpha emitting atoms attached to the base, with a concentration of at least 6 ?Ci per centimeter length. The alpha emitting atoms are attached to the base, with a desorption probability upon radioactive decay of not more than 30%.

Abstract: Apparatus for planning a diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy (DaRT) treatment session. The apparatus includes an output interface and a memory configured with a plurality of tables which provide an accumulated measure of radiation over a specific time period, due to one or more types of DaRT radiotherapy sources which emit daughter radionuclides from the source, for a plurality of different distances and angles relative to the DaRT radiotherapy source. In addition, a processor is configured to receive a description of a layout of a plurality of DaRT radiotherapy sources in a tumor, to calculate a radiation dose distribution in the tumor responsive to the layout, using the tables in the memory, and to output feedback for the treatment responsive to the radiation dose distribution, through the output interface.

Abstract: Apparatus for planning a diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy (DaRT) treatment session. The apparatus includes an output interface and a memory configured with a plurality of tables which provide an accumulated measure of radiation over a specific time period, due to one or more types of DaRT radiotherapy sources which emit daughter radionuclides from the source, for a plurality of different distances and angles relative to the DaRT radiotherapy source. In addition, a processor is configured to receive a description of a layout of a plurality of DaRT radiotherapy sources in a tumor, to calculate a radiation dose distribution in the tumor responsive to the layout, using the tables in the memory, and to output feedback for the treatment responsive to the radiation dose distribution, through the output interface.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus (20, 21), which includes a support (22), including an outer surface (24) and configured for insertion into a body of a subject. The apparatus further includes multiple atoms (26) of a radionuclide, which radioactively decays to produce a daughter radionuclide, coupled to the outer surface, and a layer (28, 33) of a polymer, which is permeable to the daughter radionuclide, that covers the atoms. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A radiotherapy method, comprising positioning a predetermined amount of a radionuclide selected from the group consisting of Radium-223, Radium-224, Radon-219 and Radon-220, in proximity to and/or within a tumor of a subject, for a predetermined time period. The predetermined amount and the predetermined time period are selected sufficient for the radionuclide to administering a predetermined therapeutic dose of decay chain nuclei and alpha particles into the tumor.