Objective In the first phase of this project, an ephithermal neutron beam for the application of BNCT has been designed, constructed and installed at the High Flux Reactor, Petten. In the next phase, before clinical trials start on patients with glioma, it is necessary that the complex dose distributions within the patient during BNCT can be predicted by computer codes, supplemented with special graphics for displaying the isodoses. The code should be in such a form as to be readily used by radiotherapists from hospitals. To enhance the efficacy of BNCT, a knowledge of the distribution of boron at the cellular level is essential. This will be pursued by means of available scanning electron microscopy and other techniques available within the JRC Institutes. Design calculations and nuclear measurements on a beam tube at the high flux reactor (HFR), demonstrated that the modelling techniques can confidently predict the neutron beam characteristics and may therefore be developed for the design work on the larger facility at beam tube HB11. Initial design calculations on HB11 determinded the materials required for the filtered beam. Completion of the final design of the filtered beam configuration was achieved, with initial designs on the shielded irradiation room, and completion of the engineering design to accommodate the above design requirements. Punctual ordering and delivering of manufactured components enabled the in-beam components to be installed. A radiobiology laboratory was equipped to start preparatory work for radiobiological experiments and large animal model work. Initial work started on the development of dosimetry pertinent to epithermal neutron beams, including the preparation of phantoms for dosimetry and cell culture irradiations. Machinery for the semiautomatic operation and control of the filtered beam components and beam shutters was completed. First nuclear measurements on a fully opened beam at full reactor power were made, and first radiobiology experiments on cell cultures in phantoms. Development of mathematical models for treatment planning to predict close distributions in the experimental models was begun.Development of computer techniques to implement eventual treatment planning schemes, whereby the isodoses within a phantom and eventually patient can be predicted. Execution of experiments, using instrumented phantoms of various sizes and shapes to verify computer models. Use of different dosimetry techniques to be able to measure the doses due to different components in the epithermal neutron beam. Extension of the computer system to be able to display graphically the isodose distributions in 2 or 3 dimensions. Studies into the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy or similar techniques to detect boron at the cellular level. Extension of the computer system to be able to interact with and accept data from hospitals on tumour type, size, location, etc to be used in the treatment planning scheme (clinical trials are planned to start at the end of 1992/beginning of 1993). Development of the biodistribution detection techniques and the implementation of the results into the treatment of planning programme. Programme(s) JRC-EXPLORES 2C - Specific research programmes (EEC) to be implemented by the Joint Research Centre - Exploratory research -, 1992-1994 Topic(s) Data not available Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme Data not available Coordinator Joint Research Centre (JRC) Petten EU contribution No data Address PO Box 2 1755 ZG Petten Netherlands See on map Total cost No data
