Development of LINAC-Based Neutron Source for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy in University of Tsukuba

Hiroaki KUMADA; Fujio NAITO; Kazuo HASEGAWA; Hitoshi KOBAYASHI; Toshikazu KURIHARA; Kenta TAKADA; Takahiro ONISHI; Hideyuki SAKURAI; Akira MATSUMURA; Takeji SAKAE

doi:10.1585/pfr.13.2406006

Regular Articles

Development of LINAC-Based Neutron Source for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy in University of Tsukuba

Hiroaki KUMADA, Fujio NAITO, Kazuo HASEGAWA, Hitoshi KOBAYASHI, Toshikazu KURIHARA, Kenta TAKADA, Takahiro ONISHI, Hideyuki SAKURAI, Akira MATSUMURA, Takeji SAKAE

Author information

Hiroaki KUMADA
Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Fujio NAITO
High Energy Accelerator Research Organization
Kazuo HASEGAWA
J-PARC Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Hitoshi KOBAYASHI
High Energy Accelerator Research Organization
Toshikazu KURIHARA
High Energy Accelerator Research Organization
Kenta TAKADA
Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Takahiro ONISHI
Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Hideyuki SAKURAI
Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Akira MATSUMURA
Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Takeji SAKAE
Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba

Keywords: boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), compact accelerator-based BNCT, linac, beryllium target, J-PARC, three-layered structure

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2018 Volume 13 Pages 2406006

DOI https://doi.org/10.1585/pfr.13.2406006

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Abstract

Clinical trials of the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) have been conducted using research reactors. Recent progresses in the accelerator and accelerator-driven-neutron-source technologies have rendered it possible to generate the substantial number of neutrons required for BNCT treatment, using a compact accelerator, which can be installed in a hospital. The University of Tsukuba launched a project for the development of a compact accelerator-based neutron source for BNCT. For this accelerator, we employed a linear particle accelerator (linac) and the energy of the proton beam was 8 MeV. Beryllium was selected as the neutron target material. To generate sufficient neutron intensity by the reaction between 8 MeV protons and beryllium, the linac accelerates a high current of 5 mA or more. As the target system is critical, we developed a beryllium target system with a threelayered structure to avoid target breakage, caused by massive heat load and blistering, within a short period. The linac-based neutron source for the BNCT is almost complete and we succeeded in generating neutrons, in 2015. Currently, several characteristic measurements are being carried out.

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