Results of neutron therapy: differences, correlations and improvements

Journal Article · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(82)90559-4· OSTI ID:5439944

Catterall, M

All machines that have given neutron therapy over the past 12 years are so unsatisfactory that they closely resemble the now obsolete X ray machines of the 1950's. Present day neutron machines increase complications and reduce the chance of giving adequate doses to tumors through mechanical deficiencies; these may dominate the biological effects of neutrons. Comparisons with modern megavoltage X rays in valid controlled clinical trials are impossible in most sites of the body, although such trials are being attempted. Despite the inadequacies of the neutron machines, most trials are showing no difference between the neutrons and X rays. The only completed trial of advanced tumors of the head and neck showed a significant advantage to the neutron-treated patients. Clinical data correlate closely with laboratory data from the MRC cyclotron at Hammersmith Hospital, London, where special treatment techniques have been developed and tumors are specially selected for neutron therapy. These correlations are seen in the lack of damage to normal bone (because of the low kerma of neutrons for bone), the lack of vomiting and the high rate of control of advanced tumors, presumably a result at the greater effect of neutrons on hypoxic cells. The Hammersmith dose is higher than that given in most other centers; this is possible because the special techniques used protect the normal tissues and deliver the dose as precisely as possible to the tumor. Modern high energy cyclotrons are now available, and only when these machines treat patients adequately can the place of neutrons in the treatment of cancer be accurately assessed.

• Research Organization: Hammersmith Hospital, London, England
• OSTI ID: 5439944
• Journal Information: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 8:12; ISSN IOBPD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACCELERATORS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
CARCINOMAS
CYCLIC ACCELERATORS
CYCLOTRONS
DELAYED RADIATION EFFECTS
DISEASES
DOSES
IRRADIATION PROCEDURES
MEDICINE
NEOPLASMS
NEUTRON THERAPY
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS
SKELETON
SYMPTOMS
THERAPY
VOMITING