Proton Linacs for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Recent advances in the ability to deliver boron-containing drugs to brain tumors have generated interest in -4 MeV liiacs as sources of epithemtal neutrons for radiation therapy. In addition, fast neutron therapy facilities have been studying methods to moderate their beams to take advantage of the high cross section for epithennal neutrons on boron-10. This paper describes the technical issues involved in each approach and presents the motivation for underraking such studies using the Ferntilab linac. The problems which must be solved before therapy can begin are outlined. Status of preparatory work and resuIts of prelhninaty measurements are presented.