Neutron brachytherapy for the treatment of malignant neoplasia

In the 1930's both neutrons and the cyclotron were discovered, developed and used almost immediately for neutron beam therapy. Cf-252 was discovered in 1950 but its potential for cancer therapy was not postulated until 1965. Early sporadic clinical trials were used to treat only a few patients. The recognition of its curative properties and usefulness for bulky localized and radioresistant cancer therapy was not made until recently. In 1985, the Lexington Workshop led to a sharing of independent experiences from the USA, Japan, and the USSR; early trial experiences were related to neutron beam results. Localized neutron therapy using brachytherapy methods was found effective against radioresistance and bulky tumors. However, it needed to be used properly and with full appreciation of clinical oncology and the role of photon adjuvant therapy.