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The Amsterdam fast neutron therapy project: a final report.
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Fast neutron radiotherapy using a 14 MeV d + T generator showed reliable performance but no significant benefit over photon irradiation for various cancers. Complications were often severe, especially for deep-seated tumors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
- Clinical Neutron Therapy
Background:
- A 14 MeV d + T neutron generator was used for radiotherapy from 1975-1981.
- Preliminary results were previously published, and this paper provides a final report.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report final clinical results of fast neutron radiotherapy.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of neutron therapy compared to photon irradiation.
Main Methods:
- A total of 435 patients received radiotherapy with the neutron generator.
- Pilot studies and randomized clinical trials were conducted for various tumor sites.
- Dose distributions and physical parameters for neutron dosimetry were determined.
Main Results:
- The neutron generator was reliable, but dose distribution was suboptimal compared to modern accelerators.
- Local tumor control was observed in many patients, but often with severe complications.
- Randomized trials showed no significant difference in local tumor control or late morbidity between neutron and photon therapy for head and neck or pelvic tumors.
Conclusions:
- Fast neutron radiotherapy with this facility did not demonstrate an advantage over photon irradiation.
- The differential effect between tumor and normal tissues appeared smaller with fast neutrons than with photons.
- Further research into neutron therapy optimization is warranted.