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(9)Be(d,n)(10)B-based neutron sources for BNCT
M E Capoulat1, M S Herrera1, D M Minsky1
1Gerencia de Investigación y Aplicaciones, CNEA. Av. Gral. Paz 1499, B1650KNA San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín. M. de Irigoyen 3100, 1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET, Av. Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Researchers optimized the (9)Be(d,n)(10)B reaction for accelerator-based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), achieving effective tumor doses comparable to existing neutron sources for Glioblastoma Multiforme treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Accelerator-based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) offers a promising targeted cancer treatment modality.
- Developing efficient and high-quality neutron sources is crucial for advancing BNCT.
- The (9)Be(d,n)(10)B reaction is explored as a potential epithermal neutron source for BNCT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically optimize the (9)Be(d,n)(10)B neutron production reaction for accelerator-based BNCT.
- To determine the ideal parameters including bombarding energy, target thickness, and Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA) design.
- To assess the clinical feasibility and dose performance for Glioblastoma Multiforme treatment.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the (9)Be(d,n)(10)B reaction for epithermal neutron generation.
- Conducted a systematic optimization study varying bombarding energy, target thickness, and BSA design.
- Performed treatment planning for a Glioblastoma Multiforme case using the optimized neutron source.
Main Results:
- Achieved optimal configuration yielding tumor doses of at least 40Gy-Eq, with a peak of 51Gy-Eq at 2.7cm depth within a 60-minute treatment.
- The optimized (9)Be(d,n)(10)B neutron source demonstrated dose performances comparable to an optimized (7)Li(p,n) neutron source.
- Treatment planning for a Glioblastoma Multiforme case confirmed the efficacy of the proposed neutron source.
Conclusions:
- The (9)Be(d,n)(10)B reaction, when optimally configured, is a viable and effective epithermal neutron source for accelerator-based BNCT.
- The optimized neutron beam meets clinical requirements for treating Glioblastoma Multiforme, showing comparable results to established methods.
- This study provides a pathway for developing advanced neutron sources for BNCT, potentially improving cancer therapy outcomes.
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