Y-90

Yttrium-90 (Y-90) is a radioactive isotope of yttrium with a half-life of approximately 64.1 hours. It decays by beta emission to stable zirconium-90, releasing high-energy beta particles. Y-90 is artificially produced as a decay product of strontium-90 or through neutron irradiation of yttrium-89 in nuclear reactors. Its radiation characteristics make it valuable for medical and industrial applications.

Y-90 is widely used in medicine, particularly in cancer treatment. It is a key component in selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), also known as radioembolization, for treating liver cancer. Y-90 microspheres are injected into the liver's blood supply to deliver targeted radiation to tumors while sparing healthy tissue. Additionally, Y-90 is used in radioimmunotherapy, where it is attached to monoclonal antibodies to target and destroy cancer cells. Its precise radiation delivery makes it effective for treating various malignancies.

Yttrium-90 is not found in nature and is encountered only in controlled environments such as medical facilities, research laboratories, and nuclear production sites. Its use is strictly regulated to ensure safety and efficacy in medical treatments and other applications.