Observations on the reactions of normal and malignant tissues to a standard dose of neutrons

A standard dose of neutrons (1560 rad given in 12 treatments over 26 days) has been given to nearly all of the 800 patients treated on the M.R.C. Cylotron at Hammersmith Hospital. The effects of this dose on the skin, bone, cartilage, larynx and intestine are described. The results of the treatment of tumours of the head and neck and breast are also given and complications are discussed. Attention is drawn to the inadequacies of all neutron sources at present used for treating patients and to the possible dangers of attributing treatment failures to neutrons themselves, without recognising the importance of poor penetration, wide penumbra and other physical characteristics. Better neutron machines at least equal to Co-60 gamma-sources are required before proper comparisons of neutron and photon treatments can be made in most sites and most tumours. (author)