Abstract
As 252Cf is a fast neutron emitter of relatively low average energy, there is potential to augment 252Cf brachytherapy with boron neutron capture (BNC) dose enhancement for treatment of malignant disease. 252Cf neutrons moderate within the human tissue and may be captured through the 10B(n,α + g)7Li nuclear reaction, Q = 2.79 MeV. Following this nuclear capture, a 477.6 keV photon is emitted 93.7% of the time by relaxation of the excited 7Li nucleus; however, the large majority of locally absorbed high-LET dose is deposited by the alpha particle and lithium ion. Consequently, it is possible that, with 10B-loaded drugs which have affinity towards malignant tumor cells, 252Cf brachytherapy may benefit from BNC dose enhancement. Calculations of the BNC dose enhancement are made for a variety of 10B loadings and sizes of phantom material composed of, as an illustration, of brain tissue, as well for tumors of diameter ranging from 2 to 6 cm. Additionally, the moderated 252Cf neutron energy spectrum is examined to demonstrate significant perturbation of the thermal neutron flux by increasing 10B loadings.
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