Capillary Optics to Control Neutrons for BNCT

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy is a two component modality. It is based on selective deliveryof a boronated pharmaceutical to cancerous tissue, followed by irradiation with thermal neutrons andsubsequently captured by the boron nuclei. A collaborative effort will be undertaken to develop aneutron gun capable of delivering a filtered, focused beam of thermal neutrons. This will provide a localtreatment modality which is extremely dose-sparing to healthy tissue. The neutron gun is based on theuse of a new technology, capillary neutron optics, which has recently demonstrated significant fluxenhancements for cold neutrons. Modeling based on experimental measurements of capillary optics willbe used to determine the feasibility of the device when paired with a variety of accelerator or reactorbased neutron sources. The project team includes experts in neutron optics, neutron sources, moderatordesign and modeling, and boron neutron capture therapy. The neutron gun will be of particular benefitfor intraoperative treatment of the surgical bed following gross total resection of tumors such as skin,breast, sarcoma and metastatic lesions, which typically require a local dose boost with conventionalradiation treatment. The neutron delivery system will also be advantageous for intraoperative treatmentafter exposure of ocular melanoma.