On the optimal energy of epithermal neutron beams for BNCT

Phys Med Biol. 2000 Jan;45(1):49-58. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/45/1/304.

Abstract

The optimal neutron energy for the treatment of deep-seated tumours using boron neutron capture therapy is studied by analysing various figures of merit. In particular, analysis of the therapeutic gain as a function of the neutron energy indicates that, with the currently available 10B carriers, the most useful neutrons for the treatment of deep-seated tumours, in particular glioblastoma multiforme, are those with an energy of a few keV. Based on the results of the simulations, a method is presented which allows us to evaluate the quality of epithermal neutron beams of known energy spectrum, thus allowing us to compare different neutron-producing reactions and beam-shaping assembly configurations used for accelerator-based neutron sources.

MeSH terms

  • Boron
  • Boron Neutron Capture Therapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Glioblastoma / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Neutrons

Substances

  • Boron