californium-252

Californium-252 is a synthetic radioactive isotope that serves as a potent, compact source of fast neutrons, primarily utilized in specialized cancer treatments such as neutron brachytherapy and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). With a half-life of approximately 2.6 years, it decays via alpha emission and spontaneous fission, the latter of which releases a high flux of neutrons. In clinical applications, particularly for bulky or radioresistant tumors like stage IB cervical cancer, Californium-252 provides high-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation. This type of radiation is more effective than conventional photon therapy at overcoming the radioresistance of hypoxic tumor cells by causing complex, irreparable double-strand DNA breaks. The isotope is produced at the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of the U.S. Department of Energy Californium Program.

Other names

252CfCf-252Cf252Cf 252Californium-252 isotopeCalifornium252 isotopeCalifornium 252 isotope