Accelerator-based neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy

An accelerator-based neutron source is being developed for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) of oncological diseases. In the source, neutrons are produced through interaction of a proton beam accelerated in an electrostatic tandem accelerator with a lithium target. The source generates an optimal neutron beam for BNCT treatment, and has several unique practical characteristics that make it ideally suited for clinical use. Namely, the tandem accelerator is compact (its design does not utilize accelerator tubes), reliable, simple and flexible in operation, and relatively inexpensive. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of studies of the neutron source prototype and preliminary test results of the first specialized neutron source for clinical trials of BNCT.