Development of Computational Dosimetry System “JCDS” for Neutron Capture Therapy

Abstract

  Clinical trials for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) are performed using research reactors in world-wide. BNCT is a radiation therapy for refractory cancer as malignant brain tumor. To carry out the BNCT procedure based on proper treatment planning and its precise implementation, a treatment planning system, JCDS has been developed in Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI; now restructured to Japan Atomic Energy Agency, JAEA).

  To estimate the dose components given to a patient by neutron irradiation in BNCT, JCDS performs the dosimetry with numerical simulations. A detailed tree-dimensional patient's head model is created by using CT and MRI images, and then input data for neutron and photon transport calculation are generated based on the patient's model. Distributions of the several dose components and gamma-ray dose in the head are computed by Monte Carlo calculations. A proper irradiation condition based on the calculation results is decided, and then a clinical trial of BNCT can be performed.

This report describes requirements for dosimetry in BNCT and the dosimetry method of JCDS.