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In-phantom dosimetry for the 13C(d,n)14N reaction as a source for accelerator-based BNCT.
A A Burlon1, A J Kreiner, S M White
1Departamento de Física, Comision Nacional de Energía Atómica, San Martin, Argentina. burlon@tandar.cnea.gov.ar
Medical Physics
|June 8, 2001
Summary
The 13C(d,n)14N reaction at 1.5 MeV is a promising method for accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (AB-BNCT). This technique achieved an advantageous treatment depth of 5.6 cm in a brain phantom, offering a new therapeutic option.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Accelerator-based neutron sources are crucial for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT).
- The 13C(d,n)14N reaction offers a favorable neutron production pathway for BNCT due to carbon's properties and reaction cross-section.
- Optimizing neutron energy and flux is essential for effective BNCT delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using the 13C(d,n)14N reaction at 1.5 MeV for accelerator-based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (AB-BNCT).
- To evaluate the neutron spectrum and dosimetric characteristics of this reaction within a simulated brain environment.
- To determine the therapeutic potential and effective treatment depth for AB-BNCT using this specific nuclear reaction.
Main Methods:
- Deuteron beam generation using a tandem accelerator at MIT's Laboratory for Accelerator Beam Applications (LABA).
- Neutron beam shaping assembly incorporating a heavy water moderator and lead reflector.
- Dosimetric evaluation using dual ionization chambers and gold foils within a water-filled brain phantom, alongside MCNP simulations.
Main Results:
- Experimental and simulated neutron spectra and dose distributions were obtained at various depths (1-10 cm) in the brain phantom.
- A biologically effective dose (RBE dose) was calculated for tumor and healthy tissues, assuming specific 10B concentrations.
- An advantageous treatment depth of 5.6 cm was achieved with a treatment time of 56 minutes, a deuteron current of 4 mA, and a maximum healthy tissue dose of 12.5 RBE Gy.
Conclusions:
- The 13C(d,n)14N reaction at 1.5 MeV is a viable and effective method for AB-BNCT.
- The study demonstrates the potential for precise dose delivery to target tissues within a clinically relevant depth.
- This approach offers a promising advancement in radiation therapy for brain tumors, leveraging specific nuclear reactions for targeted treatment.