# Enhancement of dose distribution using tissue compensators in boron neutron capture therapy

## TL;DR

This paper explores how tissue compensators can improve neutron dose distribution in BNCT for head and neck tumors.

## Contribution

The novel use of tissue equivalent compensators to restore neutron fluence in depleted areas during BNCT.

## Key findings

- Tissue compensators restore lateral scatter equilibrium in neutron-depleted areas.
- This increases local neutron fluence rate and target dose without exceeding normal tissue limits.

## Abstract

In BNCT for head and neck tumors delivered with a horizontal beam, the presence of missing tissue near the beam path can cause reduction in neutron fluence rate in adjacent tissue regions due to the loss of scattered neutrons. These regions are referred to as neutron depleted areas. By placing a tissue equivalent compensator in these missing tissue regions, the lateral scatter equilibrium is partially restored, increasing the local neutron fluence rate and, consequently, the dose to the target volume while maintaining normal tissue exposure within tolerance limits.