Earticle

초록

영어

Background: Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a targeted radiotherapy that selectively destroys cancer cells by delivering compounds enriched in boron-10 (10B) that preferentially accumulate in tumors. When exposed to low-energy neutrons, 10B undergoes a nuclear reaction that produces high-linear energy transfer particles that kill adjacent tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues. Real-time monitoring of boron distribution and the neutron irradiation is critical to optimize treatment efficacy and minimize collateral damage. Materials and Methods: We evaluated a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) configuration for simultaneous monitoring of boron spatial distribution and neutron irradiation patterns. Monte Carlo simulations were performed with the Monte Carlo N-Particle version 6.2 (MCNP6.2) using a male Oak Ridge National Laboratory stylized phantom. The simulations modeled prompt gamma emissions at 0.478 MeV (from 10B neutron capture) and 2.2 MeV (from hydrogen neutron capture) and the detection response of a four-head cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) SPECT system. Results and Discussion: The SPECT system localized regions of boron uptake in the phantom using 0.478 MeV emissions with good spatial localization. Although the system detected 2.2 MeV gamma rays from hydrogen neutron capture, reconstructed images from this energy showed diffuse distributions and did not provide clear directional information about the neutron source. These findings indicate strong performance for boron mapping but limited capability for precise neutron-source directionality using 2.2 MeV gamma emissions in the present configuration. Conclusion: SPECT-based imaging with a CZT detector shows feasibility for real-time boron mapping in BNCT. However, further work on detector geometry, collimation, and reconstruction algorithms is needed to improve sensitivity at clinically relevant boron concentrations and to enhance directional sensitivity for neutron-field assessment.

목차

ABSTRACT
Introduction
Materials and Methods
1. Source Configuration
2. System Design
3. Phantom Modeling
Results and Discussion
Conclusion
Article Information
References

키워드

저자

• Milad Mohammedali [ Department of Health and Safety Convergence Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea ]
• Wonho Lee [ School of Health and Environmental Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea ] Corresponding Author

참고문헌

발행기관

간행물

표지보기 관심저널 등록

• 간행물명

  방사선방어학회지 [Journal of Radiation Protection and Research]

• 간기

  계간

• pISSN

  2508-1888

• 수록기간

  1976~2026

• 등재여부

  KCI 등재,SCOPUS

• 십진분류

  KDC 559 DDC 629