Neutron beam studies for a medical therapy reactor

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990 · Basic Life Sciences; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5802-2_10· OSTI ID:6263798

Neuman, W A ^[1]

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1. Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Falls (USA)

A conceptual design of a Medical Therapy Reactor (MTR) for neutron capture therapy (NCT) has been performed at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). The initial emphasis of the conceptual design was toward the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme and other presently incurable cancers. The design goal of the facility is to provide routine patient treatments both in brief time intervals (approximately 10 minutes) and inexpensively. The conceptual study has shown this goal to be achievable by locating an MTR at a major medical facility. This paper addresses the next step in the conceptual design process: a guide to the optimization of the epithermal-neutron filter and collimator assembly for the treatment of brain tumors. The current scope includes the sensitivity of the treatment beam to variations in filter length, gamma shield length, and collimator lengths as well as exit beam aperture size. The study shows the areas which can provide the greatest latitude in improving beam intensity and quality. Suggestions are given for future areas of optimization of beam filtering and collimation.

• OSTI ID: 6263798
• Journal Information: Basic Life Sciences; (USA), Vol. 54; ISSN 0090-5542
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BRAIN
NEOPLASMS
MTR REACTOR
DESIGN
NEUTRON CAPTURE THERAPY
OPTIMIZATION
IDAHO NATIONAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY
NEUTRON BEAMS
RADIATION DOSES
BEAMS
BODY
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
DISEASES
DOSES
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
IRRADIATION REACTORS
MATERIALS TESTING REACTORS
MEDICINE
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
NEUTRON THERAPY
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
NUCLEON BEAMS
ORGANS
PARTICLE BEAMS
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
REACTORS
TANK TYPE REACTORS
THERAPY
THERMAL REACTORS
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
220600* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Research
Test & Experimental Reactors
550603 - Medicine- External Radiation in Therapy- (1980-)