What is the maximum range of Yttrium-90?

Yttrium-90 is a beta-emitting radioisotope used primarily in targeted radionuclide therapy, particularly for selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in liver tumors. The maximum range of Yttrium-90 in tissue is characterized by the distance that its beta particles can travel. The correct answer of 5.8 mm reflects this range accurately.

Beta particles emitted by Yttrium-90 have sufficient energy to penetrate tissue over a short distance. The relatively limited range of 5.8 mm means that the radiation effects are localized, which is advantageous in therapeutic applications where it is desirable to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue while delivering a concentrated dose to the tumor.

Options suggesting shorter or longer ranges do not align with the established data on Yttrium-90's physical characteristics. For instance, a maximum range of 2.0 mm would not be adequate to achieve the intended therapeutic effect, while ranges of 10.0 mm or 15.0 mm exceed the known capability of Yttrium-90’s beta particles, leading to a more diffuse and less targeted radiation impact. Understanding the accurate range is crucial for optimizing treatment protocols in interventional radiology procedures involving Yttrium-