Neutron source for cancer therapy

Ignacio Porras

Universidad de Granada, Spain

Cancer prognosis varies greatly depending on the tumor type, and stage at diagnosis. Although in recent years the advances have been many and very important, there are still many tumors for which there is no effective treatment.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a new treatment type that has brought hope. It is the only external radiation therapy that is selective at the cellular level and produces a much higher dose in malignant cells than in healthy tissue. However, these therapies have been limited by the scarcity of neutron sources. Up to now, only nuclear reactors have been used in clinical trials, which tend to be far from the hospital environment, and produce a wide spectrum of neutrons that are not always desirable to the treatment.

The researchers have designed a system for the production of an optimal neutron beam for BNCT based on existing medical particle accelerators. Their optimal beam design produces not only particles at the lowest possible energy, but also the shortest energy spectrum known up to now, which will minimize side effects on normal tissues and organs at risk. In addition, radioisotopes for SPECT and PET diagnosis can also be produced in the same facility, making this technology sustainable for use in large hospitals.

€100,000