Present status of Accelerator-Based BNCT

Abstract Aim This work aims at giving an updated report of the worldwide status of Accelerator-Based BNCT (AB-BNCT). Background There is a generalized perception that the availability of accelerators installed in hospitals, as neutron sources, may be crucial for the advancement of BNCT. Accordingly,...

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Veröffentlicht in:Reports of practical oncology and radiotherapy 2016-03, Vol.21 (2), p.95-101
Hauptverfasser: Kreiner, Andres Juan, Bergueiro, Javier, Cartelli, Daniel, Baldo, Matias, Castell, Walter, Asoia, Javier Gomez, Padulo, Javier, Suárez Sandín, Juan Carlos, Igarzabal, Marcelo, Erhardt, Julian, Mercuri, Daniel, Valda, Alejandro A, Minsky, Daniel M, Debray, Mario E, Somacal, Hector R, Capoulat, María Eugenia, Herrera, María S, del Grosso, Mariela F, Gagetti, Leonardo, Anzorena, Manuel Suarez, Canepa, Nicolas, Real, Nicolas, Gun, Marcelo, Tacca, Hernán
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Abstract Aim This work aims at giving an updated report of the worldwide status of Accelerator-Based BNCT (AB-BNCT). Background There is a generalized perception that the availability of accelerators installed in hospitals, as neutron sources, may be crucial for the advancement of BNCT. Accordingly, in recent years a significant effort has started to develop such machines. Materials and methods A variety of possible charged-particle induced nuclear reactions and the characteristics of the resulting neutron spectra are discussed along with the worldwide activity in suitable accelerator development. Results Endothermic7 Li(p,n)7 Be and9 Be(p,n)9 B and exothermic9 Be(d,n)10 B are compared. In addition to having much better thermo-mechanical properties than Li, Be as a target leads to stable products. This is a significant advantage for a hospital-based facility.9 Be(p,n)9 B needs at least 4–5 MeV bombarding energy to have a sufficient yield, while9 Be(d,n)10 B can be utilized at about 1.4 MeV, implying the smallest possible accelerator. This reaction operating with a thin target can produce a sufficiently soft spectrum to be viable for AB-BNCT. The machines considered are electrostatic single ended or tandem accelerators or radiofrequency quadrupoles plus drift tube Linacs. Conclusions7 Li(p,n)7 Be provides one of the best solutions for the production of epithermal neutron beams for deep-seated tumors. However, a Li-based target poses significant technological challenges. Hence, Be has been considered as an alternative target, both in combination with (p,n) and (d,n) reactions.9 Be(d,n)10 B at 1.4 MeV, with a thin target has been shown to be a realistic option for the treatment of deep-seated lesions.
ISSN:1507-1367
2083-4640
DOI:10.1016/j.rpor.2014.11.004