BSA optimization and dosimetric assessment for an electron linac based BNCT of deep-seated brain tumors

A study was conducted to investigate a photoneutron spectrum based on a 25 MeV electron linac for treatment of deep-seated brain tumors in the context of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Based on a series of Monte Carlo N-Particle simulations, tungsten and uranium with optimized geometry were selected as the most appropriate converters for (e,γ) and (γ,n) reactions, respectively. The final optimized photoneutron source yield was 5.78 × 1013 n/s/mA, which is a high value for these kinds of sources. A beam shaping assembly (BSA) for the proposed neutron source containing optimal moderators, filter, reflector, and collimator was simulated. Results showed that using this BSA enables us to meet International atomic energy agency recommended figures of merit at the BSA beam port. Also, the calculated in-phantom figures of merit and dose evaluation results via a simulated head phantom confirmed that the designed neutron source and its related BSA configuration can potentially treat deep-seated brain tumors in BNCT framework. In the present study, some in-phantom figures of merit such as advantage depth, advantage depth dose rate, advantage ratio, and treatment time are 7.6 cm, 0.7 Gy/min, 4.2, and 17.8 min, respectively. (author)