|
The
MIT Fission Converter first began
operation in June of 2000. It
delivers a high quality epithermal
beam of about 1010 neutrons/cm2sec,
making it ideal for use in Boron
Neutron Capture Therapy. (Click
here to see larger version.) |
Beams of neutrons long have been
used in scientific experiments, but
recently, for the first time, a novel
type of neutron beam was generated
for use in a medical reactor. The
innovation by Otto K. Harling of Massachusetts
Institute of Technology involved the
adaptation of existing nuclear fission
converter technology. The Office of
Science supported the detailed scientific
and engineering design needed to put
the concept to practical medical use.
The new technology was used to upgrade
MIT's medical reactor for studies
of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT),
first attempted in the United States
in the 1950s at Brookhaven National
Laboratory. Those early efforts were
unsuccessful, but the new MIT beam
is epithermal (intermediate energy)
and can penetrate more deeply than
the low-energy neutrons used in the
past, thereby eliminating the need
for surgery. The latest BNCT technology
also incorporates an improved boron-containing
drug and rapid, accurate boron analysis
technology. In BNCT, the patient consumes
a drink containing boron, which is
taken up by tumor cells. The tumor
then is irradiated with a neutron
beam, causing the boron to split into
two highly energetic particles that
destroy the tumor cells while largely
sparing adjacent healthy cells.
Scientific Impact:
This work demonstrates the value of
long-term interdisciplinary and inter-institutional
efforts to design, develop, and field
innovative technology. The improved
neutron beam has helped make MIT's
medical reactor the most advanced
epithermal neutron source in the world
for cancer treatment.
Social Impact: Preliminary
trials of BNCT therapy supported by
the Office of Science have shown promise
for the treatment of malignant melanomas.
The National Institutes of Health
is considering but has not yet approved
clinical trials, for which the MIT
facility is the only suitable site
in the United States.
Reference: W.S.
Kiger III, Sakamoto, S., and Harling,
O.K., "Neutron Design of a Fission
Converter Based Epithermal Neutron
Beam," Neutron Capture Therapy
131:1-22 (1999).
S. Sakamoto, Kiger III, W.S., and
Harling, O.K., "Sensitivity Studies
of Beam Directionality, Beam Size,
and Neutron Spectrum for a Fission
Converter-based Epithermal Neutron
Beam for Boron," Neutron Capture
Therapy 26(9):1979-88 (September
1999).
URL:
http://web.mit.edu/nrl/www/rrpo.html
Technical Contact:
Dr. Peter Kirchner, Medical Sciences
Division, Office of Biological and
Environmental Research, 301-903-9106
Press Contact: Jeff
Sherwood, DOE Office of Public Affairs,
202-586-5806
SC-Funding Office:
Office of Biological and Environmental
Research |