Boron neutron capture enhancement study for radiation therapy with fast fission neutrons

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Fast neutron therapy (FNT) usage has decreased, while boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is experiencing a resurgence.
• The MEDAPP facility at FRM II previously used fission neutrons for patient treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate enhancing dose deposition in fission-based fast neutron therapy by incorporating boron neutron capture reactions.
• To explore the feasibility of advanced cancer treatment options by combining FNT and BNCT concepts.

Main Methods:

• Monte Carlo simulations were employed to calculate dose rates.
• Simulations were performed in a water phantom with B-10 enriched regions of interest.
• Investigated combinations of clinical FNT neutron spectrum with BNCT-required B-10 concentrations, higher B-10 concentrations, and modified neutron spectra with thermal components.

Main Results:

• The influence of B-10 concentration on dose rate was minimal (<3%) when combined with the clinical FNT spectrum and B-10 concentration.
• A significant increase in dose rate was observed with the addition of a thermal component to the neutron spectrum.
• Physical dose rate enhancement was low for the combination of clinically available FNT and BNCT scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Combining clinically available FNT and BNCT treatment scenarios yields limited dose rate enhancement.
• Exploiting a thermal neutron component within a modified spectrum shows promise for advanced radiotherapy.
• Further research into biological selectivity and thermal neutron exploitation is warranted.