title: Sources of fast neutrons for radiotherapy.
abstract: There is currently great interest in the use of fast neutrons for radiotherapy. Although it is too early for the long-term effects to be known, the results so far are encouraging. Three types of fast neutron-producing devices are available: neutron generators, compact cyclotrons and large cyclotrons. For the requirements of radiotherapists the most suitable and practical source currently available is the reaction 9Be(d,n) in conjunction with a large cyclotron capable of accelerating deuterons to energies greater than 35 MeV.
mesh_terms: D001608:Beryllium; D003903:Deuterium; D005214:Fast Neutrons; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy; D014316:Tritium
chemical_list: D014316:Tritium; D003903:Deuterium; D001608:Beryllium