Boron-10 analysis by prompt-γ and track-etching techniques

In order to predict the efficacy of boronated compounds for neutron capture therapy (NCT) it is mandatory that the boron concentration in tissues be known. Boron analysis via detection of the prompt γ ray from the 10B(n,α)7Li reaction has been shown to be a reliable technique. Two prompt-γ facilities developed at BNL are described. One, at the 60-MW High Flux Beam Reactor (HFBR), uses sophisticated beam extraction techniques to enhance neutron intensity and reduce fast neutron and γ contamination. The other was constructed at Brookhaven's 5-MW Medical Research Reactor (MRR) and uses conventional shielding to provide an on-line boron analysis facility adjacent to beams designed for neutron capture therapy (NCT), thus satisfying one of the requisite for clinical application of this procedure. A track-etching technique capable of detecting ng amounts of boron is described. Thus it is possible to measure the boron content in small amounts (mg samples) of antibodies, or boron uptake in cells grown in tissue culture