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Neutron Radiography and Computed Tomography of Biological Systems at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor
Published on: May 7, 2021
Filter, collimator and moderating material to achieve boron neutron capture enhanced fast neutron therapy
J Sweezy1, Nolan Hertel, Arlene Lennox
1X-5, Applied Physics Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS F663, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA. j.sweezy@lanl.gov
Abstract:
The combination of fast neutron therapy and boron neutron capture therapy is currently being studied as a possible treatment for some radio-resistant brain tumours. In an attempt to design a boron-enhanced fast neutron therapy beam for the Fermilab Fast Neutron Therapy Facility, the use of moderating material surrounding the patient's head has been investigated. Graphite, polyethylene, water and heavy water were studied as moderating materials, using MCNP. The use of tungsten, iron, lead and bismuth as materials for a small filter and collimator near the patient's head was investigated. Calculations showed that a filter and collimator made of tungsten with a graphite moderator was capable of producing a dose enhancement of 17.3 +/- 0.6% for a 100 microg g(-1) loading of 10B for a 5.6 cm diameter beam while delivering 1.5 Gy in 7 min.
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