iBNCT, a Linac-Based Neutron Source for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, Developed by the Tsukuba Group
摘要
The Project iBNCT, an industry-academia-government collaboration team, headed by the University of Tsukuba, is developing an accelerator-based neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The project team has produced a demonstration device of the neutron source for BNCT named “iBNCT001.” The iBNCT001 has adopted a linac, which consists of a radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) linac and a drift tube linac (DTL), as a proton accelerator. Beryllium has been selected as the neutron target material. The 8-MeV energy protons accelerated by the linac are irradiated at the beryllium target, producing an epithermal neutron beam applicable to BNCT treatment, by passing through a beam shaping assembly of the iBNCT001. The iBNCT project is developing not only a neutron source device but also other peripheral equipment, such as a treatment planning system, radiation monitors, and patient positioning devices. The clinical team plans to carry out clinical studies with actual patients using the iBNCT001, following nonclinical studies.