Removal of Alcyon II, CGR, MeV ⁶⁰Co Teletherapy Head and Evaluation of Exposure Dose

Abstract

Teletherapy units containing 60 Co source are used in Egypt and worldwide for treatment of cancer diseases. One of the widely used in Egypt is Alcyon CGR MeV. Different radiotherapy facilities need to unload this 60 Co unit after being disused. The head containing the source was removed and put into approved package for transportation, after the source kept in safe position. This study describes the planning and removing process of the disused sources and, transports it into its head. The personal doses measured during the process. This work pre-estimates the doses received to workers during the removing process. The workers received doses of approximately 55 μSv during the whole process. This study shows that the original lead head can be used as the source container of this 60 Co unit but not as a long term storage option. The 60 Co machine was smoothly dismantled and transported by trained workers and driver, using planned and controlled radiation protection, followed by ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) rule.