Speaker
Description
We propose a gamma-ray detection module for the development of a SPECT system for real-time dose monitoring in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). BNCT is a radiotherapy technique where the tumor volume is loaded with boron-10 and irradiated with thermal neutrons. Boron neutron capture reactions occur, and they deposit their energy within the tumor cells, thus sparing normal cells. Moreover, the B-10(n, α)7Li reactions create gamma rays at 478 keV, and their detection can be used to quantify and localize the dose delivered to the patient. However, this detection is very challenging because of the mixed radiation field present during BNCT irradiations and the low 10B concentration. We report here about the performance of the BeNEdiCTE (Boron Neutron CapTurE) module, based on a 2 inches cylindrical LaBr3(Ce+Sr) scintillator crystal, optically coupled to a matrix of Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs), when irradiating 10B-loaded samples with neutrons. Vials filled with different boron concentrations have been irradiated in the TRIGA MARK II nuclear reactor of Pavia University (Italy), and spectra have been acquired with the BeNEdiCTE module, wrapped in cadmium foils to avoid the neutron activation of the detector. The excellent energy resolution of the module (<3% at 662 keV) allows to resolve the photopeak of the boron neutron capture events at 478 keV. Very good linear correlation between the number of events detected at 478 keV and the boron concentration has been achieved, down to 62 ppm, with a neutron flux of approximately 10^5 n/cm2/s.
