New data for the definition of neutron beams for Boron Neutron capture therapy

Abstract Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is neutron radiotherapy used to treat tumours cells previously doped with Boron-10. This therapy requires an epithermal neutron beam for the treatment of deep tumours and a thermal beam for shallow ones. Thanks to recent high-current commercial accelerators, Accelerator-Based Neutron Sources (ABNS) are a competitive option for providing therapeutic neutron beams in hospitals. In this work, the neutron field generated by the 7Li (p,n)7Be reaction at 1950 keV is studied as a neutron source in ABNS, being measured by the Time-Of-Flight (TOF) technique at HiSPANoS facility (Spain). Moreover, two Beam Shaping Assemblies (BSA) for deep and shallow tumour treatment, which are specially designed for the 1950 keV neutron field, are evaluated for BNCT via Monte Carlo simulations (MCNP). Results in agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) figures of merit endorse the use of this neutron field for BNCT.