The DT neutron generator for tumor therapy in Hamburg-Eppendorf

Since 1976 up to 1980 more than 300 patients with malignant tumors ''resistant'' against photons or fast electrons have been treated with fast neutrons (DT, 14 MeV) in our Radiotherapy-Department. As a consequence of the monoenergetic energy-spectrum with lack of low energy neutrons, the neutron dose of not more than 16 Gy for 4 weeks and sophisticated computerized treatment planning no serious complications occurred in normal tissues, in contrast to high rates of damages with cyclotron neutrons with a RBE more than 20% higher than DT neutrons. Therefore, the generator has been reconstructed with the aim to improve the output and the economy. The new technical construction of the unit and the safe handling of highly active tritium targets are presented as well as dosimetric and microdosimetric measurements. (orig.)