SU-E-T-21: A D-D Based Neutron Generator System for XXXX Neutron Capture Therapy: A Feasibility Study.

@entity9725 @entity5 @entity6189 @entity1313
PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of a @entity6189 - @entity6189 (DD) neutron generator for application in @entity9725 neutron capture therapy (BNCT) of @entity1313 METHODS: MCNP simulations were performed using a head phantom and a monoenergetic neutron source, which resembles the point source in a DD generator that emits 2.45-MeV neutrons. Source energies ranging from 5eV to 2.45MeV were simulated to determine the optimal treatment energy. The phantom consisted of soft tissue, brain tissue, skull, skin layer, and a @entity1313 of 5 cm in diameter. @entity5 depth was varied from 5-10 cm. @entity9725 -10 concentrations of 10 ppm, 15 ppm, and 30 ppm were used in the soft/brain tissues, skin, and @entity5 , respectively. The neutron flux required to deliver 60 Gy to the @entity5 as well as the normal tissue doses were determined. RESULTS: Beam energies between 5eV and 10keV obtained doses with the highest dose ratios (3.3-25.9) between the @entity5 and the brain at various depths. The dose ratio with 2.45-MeV neutrons ranged from 0.8-6.6. To achieve the desired @entity5 dose in 40 minutes, the required neutron flux for a DD generator was between 8.8E10 and 5.2E11 n/s and the resulting brain dose was between 2.3 and 18 Gy, depending on the @entity5 depth. The skin and soft tissue doses were within acceptable tolerances. The @entity9725 -neutron interaction accounted for 54-58% of the total dose. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the DD neutron generator can be a feasible neutron source for BNCT. The required neutron flux for treatment is achievable with the current DD neutron technology. With a well-designed beam shaping assembly and treatment geometry, the neutron flux can be further improved and a 60-Gy prescription can be accurately delivered to the target while maintaining tolerable normal tissue doses. Further experimental studies will be developed and conducted to validate the simulation results.
