New data for the definition of neutron beams for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

TL;DR

This paper investigates a neutron source based on the $^7$Li(p,n)$^7$Be reaction at 1950 keV for BNCT, measuring its neutron field and evaluating beam shaping assemblies through simulations, supporting its suitability for therapy.

Contribution

It introduces a new neutron source and beam shaping designs for BNCT, validated by measurements and simulations, advancing accelerator-based neutron therapy options.

Findings

Neutron field measured accurately using TOF technique.

Beam shaping assemblies show promising results for deep and shallow tumors.

Results align with IAEA benchmarks, endorsing the neutron source for BNCT.

Abstract

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a neutron radiotherapy used to treat tumours cells previously doping with Boron-10. This therapy requires an epithermal neutron beam for the treatment of deep tumours and a thermal beam for shallow ones. Thanks to recent high-current commercial accelerators, Accelerator-Based Neutron Sources (ABNS) are competitive option for providing therapeutic neutron beams in hospitals. In this work, the neutron field generated by the $^7$Li(p,n)$^7$Be reaction at $1950~$keV is studied as neutron source in ABNS, being measured by the Time-Of-Flight (TOF) technique at HiSPANoS facility (Spain). Moreover, two Beam Shaping Assemblies (BSA) for deep and shallow tumour treatment, which are specially designed for the $1950~$keV neutron field, are evaluated for BNCT via Monte Carlo simulations (MCNP). Results in agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) figures of merit endorse the use of this neutron field for BNCT.