Numerical investigation of neutron beam characteristics for the treatment of deep-seated brain tumour by boron neutron capture therapy

This study aims to investigate neutron beam characteristics for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) targeting brain tumours and to clarify the physical limitations of single-field irradiation for treatment of deep-seated tumours. 
Approach: Using Monte Carlo simulations with a voxelated Snyder head phantom, we systematically evaluated the impact of three key characteristics-neutron energy (mono-beam), beam radius, and current-to-flux ratio (J/Φ) -on dose distributions. 
Results: The analysis identified the 1-10 keV energy range as optimal for depth penetration. Increasing the J/Φ was found to linearly enhance the tumour dose by improving beam directionality. However, a critical trade-off was observed with beam radius. 
Significance: These findings demonstrate the fundamental limits of single-field BNCT for deep-seated malignancies and highlight the necessity of multiple-irradiation strategies such as each beam should shape narrow, high J/Φ epithermal beams. By establishing a database of each beam characteristics provides the essential physical foundation for designing future personalised and multi-beam treatment plans.