Introduction to accelerators for boron neutron capture therapy

Abstract

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is one of the hopeful cancer therapies. Until recently, BNCT used the Nuclear fission reactor as a neutron source. However, many usable reactors for BNCT have been terminated and it is hard recently to build the new research reactor in many countries. Thus, a small accelerator which can supply the intense proton beam become a candidate of a neutron source instead of the reactor. Furthermore, it is impossible to install the reactor in a hospital but we can install the accelerator system in the hospital. In this article we describe the basic physics of the linear accelerator and cyclotron for BNCT. An ion source and the target for neutron production are also described briefly.

In Vivo Evaluation of Multifunctional Gold Nanorods for Boron Neutron Capture and Photothermal Therapies

“…One of them is the unease in conducting clinical irradiations in nuclear research reactors, which has been recently mitigated by the installation of hospital-based accelerators delivering high-intensity epithermal neutron beams. 2,3 Another major limitation is the need for the development of BNCT drugs capable of selectively (or preferentially) accumulating boron atoms in tumor cells and tissues. Different molecular modalities have been proposed as BNCT drug candidates, including boronated carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, nucleic acids, and immunoconjugates.…”

“…Successful application of BNCT in the clinical arena has been thwarted by a number of difficulties. One of them is the unease in conducting clinical irradiations in nuclear research reactors, which has been recently mitigated by the installation of hospital-based accelerators delivering high-intensity epithermal neutron beams. , Another major limitation is the need for the development of BNCT drugs capable of selectively (or preferentially) accumulating boron atoms in tumor cells and tissues. Different molecular modalities have been proposed as BNCT drug candidates, including boronated carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, nucleic acids, and immunoconjugates. , However, and in spite of huge efforts, only two compounds, namely, sodium borocaptate (BSH) and p -boronophenylalanine (BPA), are currently approved for clinical trials .…”

The Anti-Tumor Effect of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy in Glioblastoma Subcutaneous Xenograft Model Using the Proton Linear Accelerator-Based BNCT System in Korea

“…In Korea, a linear accelerator-based neutron generator has been developed. Although the linear accelerator (RFQ + DTL)-based neutron generator is difficult to manufacture, the residual radiation is low [ 44 ]. The therapeutic principle of BNCT is that alpha particles and lithium ions generate DNA double-strand breaks in cancer cells that induce cell death.…”

Salvage Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for Malignant Brain Tumor Patients in Compliance with Emergency and Compassionate Use: Evaluation of 34 Cases in Taiwan

“…In addition to the intrinsic risk of the nuclear reactor, it is impossible to establish a reactor-based BNCT or perform subsequent treatment in a hospital. However, the miniaturized accelerator system is currently the most viable solution [ 29 , 30 ]. Many countries have established different types of accelerators for clinical BNCT treatment, such as cyclotron-, linac-, and electrostatic-based accelerators, most of which are located in Japan.…”