Fission reactor-based irradiation facilities for neutron capture therapy

Abstract

In this chapter, a brief overview is provided of fission reactor-based epithermal neutron irradiation facilities designed for neutron capture therapy. The overview is intended to give those who are interested in establishing this type of facility some perspective and guidance concerning the desirable performance characteristics and features. Requirements for clinical BNCT are described in the Introduction together with a review of beam design studies. This is followed by a section describing two different approaches for producing an epithermal neutron beam for clinical BNCT and a description of currently available facilities. A state-of-the-art neutron beam facility is highlighted that satisfies all of the desired beam performance criteria and is capable of supporting more advanced clinical studies where higher patient throughput is needed. Existing reactor-based neutron irradiation facilities satisfy the needs currently anticipated for clinical research in BNCT while using proven and readily available technology. Some of these facilities possess many of the features of modern radiotherapy machines and employ modular designs to enable beamline modifications. This flexibility in beam delivery is needed to realize advances derived from future clinical accrual or translational research to develop improved methods for treating different tumors. Additional facilities can be constructed in the near term if needed by modifying available research reactors or by constructing small, ultrasafe reactors that are dedicated to BNCT.