Fission reactor based epithermal neutron irradiation facilities for routine clinical application in BNCT--Hatanaka memorial lecture.
Based on experience gained in the recent clinical studies at MIT/Harvard, the desirable characteristics of epithermal neutron irradiation facilities for eventual routine clinical BNCT are suggested. A discussion of two approaches to using fission reactors for epithermal neutron BNCT is provided. This is followed by specific suggestions for the performance and features needed for high throughput clinical BNCT. An example of a current state-of-the-art, reactor based facility, suited for routine clinical use is discussed. Some comments are provided on the current status of reactor versus accelerator based epithermal neutron sources for BNCT. This paper concludes with a summary and a few personal observations on BNCT by the author.
Department of Nuclear Science & Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 138 Albany Street, NW13-200, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. oharling@mit.edu
Otto K
OK
Harling
D016754:Boron Neutron Capture Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005214:Fast Neutrons / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D009680:Nuclear Fission; D009688:Nuclear Reactors