Study of neutron-DNA interaction at the IPEN BNCT research facility

Abstract

Our group at the Laboratorio do Acelerador Linear (IFUSP- USP) is currently developing several studies related to the interaction of different kinds of radiation with DNA. Initially, our plan is to study the interactions proton-BNA, gamma-DNA and neutron-DNA. In this work we describe the most important features of the neutron-DNA study, which we plan to perform by selecting thermal, epithermal and fast neutrons. To improve the information about radiation-DNA interaction is important in order to achieve more secure and efficient cancer treatments by using radiation therapy. Nowadays, one important technique is the boron neutrons capture therapy, where neutrons are used to initiate a nuclear reaction at the tumor site. The effects of the neutrons on the health tissue, however, must be better understood. The study of neutron-DNA interaction, in this scenario, is of great importance. The research facility for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) in the IEA-R1 Reactor of the IPEN-CNEN/SP[1] will be used for studying the neutron-induced DNA damage. At present, we are evaluating the characteristics of the neutron flux at the biological sample, and we are carrying out simulations of the experimental procedure through Monte Carlos N Particle transport code system version 4C (MCNP-4C)[2] to find the experimental conditions necessary to minimize such contamination, and also verify the effects of those gamma's on the DNA molecule. The first step is the selection of filters configurations, which will allow us to irradiate the DNA sample with thermal, epithermal and fast neutrons. We present the results of our simulations, and describe the experimental setup show the best sets of materials necessary to obtain neutron spectra for different neutrons energies.