Californium-252 (252Cf)

Californium-252 is a synthetic radioactive isotope of the actinide series that serves as a potent source of neutrons (Wikipedia, 2024). It is not a biological target in the traditional pharmacological sense, such as a receptor or enzyme, but is instead utilized as a therapeutic radiation source in neutron brachytherapy for treating malignancies like cervical and prostate cancers (Maruyama et al., 1985; NIH, 2023). The isotope undergoes spontaneous fission, emitting high-energy neutrons with high linear energy transfer (LET) properties. These neutrons induce lethal double-strand DNA breaks in tumor cells, which are often more effective against radioresistant or hypoxic tumors compared to standard gamma or X-ray therapies (National Cancer Institute, 2023). However, the use of Californium-252 is limited by the requirement for specialized shielding and the potential for severe radiation-induced damage to surrounding healthy tissues (Radiobiology of Californium-252, 1986).

Other names

Cf-252Californium-252 isotopeCf-252 neutron source

Spontaneous fission resulting in the emission of high-energy neutrons that cause high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation damage and lethal double-strand DNA breaks in target cells.