Experimental study on radiational characteristics and nursing care of a novel radioisotope 188Re memory alloy esophageal stent

Radioactive esophageal stent, known for inhibiting tumor growth and delaying restenosis in malignant esophageal tumors, presents challenges due to potent radiation, leading to side effects. This study aims to support the clinical use of 188Re radioactive esophageal stent. The 188Re stent with 128 MBq initial activity was placed in a biomimetic esophageal membrane. Radiation absorption doses were measured by thermoluminescence and calculated using mathematical software. Under simulated positioning, the stent was implanted in the esophagus of an experimental pig, followed by the feeding of Kangfuxin solution and nursing care (KFX-RT). Non-implanted and implanted-only pigs served as normal (CR) and experimental (RT) controls. Blood samples collected on days 7 and 21 were analyzed for inflammatory factors (TGF-β1, TNF-α, IL-6) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Esophageal tissue cells were assessed for deoxyribonucleic acid index (DI) and subdiploid content through flow cytometry. Absorbed doses at 0.5 mm and 5 mm reference points were 223.91 cGy and 20.55 cGy, respectively, with 92.64% absorbed within a 1 mm thickness. Radiation dose significantly decreased at 6.5 mm, with only 4.72% absorbed at depths ≥6.5 mm. On days 7 and 21, levels of inflammatory factors, DI and subdiploid content were significantly increased in the KFX-RT and RT groups compared to the CR group, while all levels in the KFX-RT group were significantly lower than in the RT group. The 188Re esophageal stent exhibits high radiation absorption in superficial tissues and low absorption in deeper tissues. Kangfuxin solution combined with nursing care alleviates radiation-induced inflammatory damage.