Assessment of Ideal Neutron Beams for Neutron Capture Therapy

The discrete-ordinates transport computer code DORT has been used to develop a two-dimensional cylindrical phantom model for use as a tool to assess beam design and dose distributions for boron neutron capture therapy. The model uses an S₈ approximation for angular fluxes and a P₃ Legendre approximation for scattering cross sections. A one-dimensional discrete-ordinates model utilizing the computer code ANISN was used to validate the energy-group structure used in the two-dimensional calculations. In the two-dimensional model the effects of varying basic parameters such as aperture width, neutron source energy, and tissue composition have been studied. Identical results were obtained when comparing narrow beam calculations to fine-mesh higher-order <tex-math>$S_{{\rm n}}$</tex-math> treatments (up to <tex-math>$S_{32}$</tex-math>), and with P₅ cross sections. It is shown that, when the correct assessment volume is used, narrow beams will give little or no advantage for therapy even with an optimum-energy ideal neutron beam.