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Microdosimetry in BNCT

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores the application of microdosimetry in the context of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). In particular it aims to elucidate the crucial role of microdosimetry in measuring dose enhancement resulting from elevated boron-10 concentrations in tumor cells during BNCT.

Methods

A critical survey on microdosimetry is first given, to underline the relevance of the stochastic fluctuations of the radiation interactions at the microscopic level. Successively, the methodology of microdosimetric application to BNCT is reviewed. Significant examples are reported that help understanding the potentialities of microdosimetry on BNCT. The analysis involves examining the energy spectra in mixed radiation fields, taking into account both small and large energy events influenced by the stopping power and range of the particle.

Results

The findings of this study reveal valuable insights into the contribution of microdosimetry in BNCT. The analysis of energy spectra enables the differentiation of various components within the radiation field, both in terms of dose and of biological effectiveness. The results shed light on the dose enhancement attributed to higher concentrations of boron-10 in tumor cells, providing a comprehensive understanding of the biological effectiveness of boron neutron capture reaction products.

Conclusions

This paper underscores the pivotal role of microdosimetry in BNCT, emphasizing its capability to unravel the intricacies of energy deposition and dose distribution at the micrometric scale. The application of microdosimetry emerges as a valuable tool in optimizing BNCT protocols and advancing our comprehension of radiation effects in targeted cancer therapy.

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Funding

The research was supported by the fifth Commission of Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN).

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Author notes

  1. Anna Bianchi and Anna Selva contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro, Viale dell’Università 2, Legnaro, (PD), Italy

    Valeria Conte, Anna Bianchi & Anna Selva

Authors
  1. Valeria Conte
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  2. Anna Bianchi
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  3. Anna Selva
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Contributions

V. Conte: writing, conceptualization, review. A. Bianchi, A. Selva: data taking, revision of text.

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Correspondence to Valeria Conte.

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This article is part of the Hadrontherapy and BNCT: Current Status and Future Trends

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Conte, V., Bianchi, A. & Selva, A. Microdosimetry in BNCT. Health Technol. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12553-024-00830-1

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