An Application to Intraoperative BNCT using epithermal neutron of new JRR-4 mode "Epi-12"

Matsushita, Akira*; Yamamoto, Tetsuya*; Matsumura, Akira*; Nose, Tadao*; Yamamoto, Kazuyoshi ; Kumada, Hiroaki; Torii, Yoshiya ; Kashimura, Takanori*; Otake, Shinichi*

A thermal-epithermal mixed beam "Thermal Neutron Beam Mode I" was used in the eleven sessions of boron neutron capture therapy which have been performed at JRR-4 from 1998. We are planning to use an epithermal beam for the treatment of deeper tumors in the next trial of the intraoperative BNCT. In this study, "Epi-12" which was made by putting up a cadmium shutter of "Thermal Neutron Beam Mode I" was investigated for the clinical benefits and safety by epithermal beams. Decrease of fast neutron contamination ratio in Epi-12 mode is the advantage for BNCT, particular in the intraoperative BNCT. Because fast neutron on the brain surface is one of the critical factors in the intraoperative BNCT in which the plain beam directly interacts the normal structures. Furthermore a mixture of mode Epi-12 and Th-12 will provide various dose distribution designs. It may be used as a new method to control the best distribution for individual tumors.