Rhodium self-powered neutron detector as a suitable on-line thermal neutron flux monitor in BNCT treatments.

Purpose: A rhodium self-powered neutron detector (Rh SPND) has been specifically developed by the Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA) of Argentina to measure locally and in real time thermal neutron fluxes in patients treated with boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). In this work, the thermal and epithermal neutron response of the Rh SPND was evaluated by studying the detector response to two different reactor spectra. In addition, during clinical trials of the BNCT Project of the CNEA, on-line neutron flux measurements using the specially designed detector were assessed.

Hepatic structural dosimetry in (90)Y microsphere treatment: a Monte Carlo modeling approach based on lobular microanatomy.

Unlabelled: Selective internal radiation treatment (SIRT) via intrahepatic arterial administration of (90)Y microspheres is an effective therapeutic modality. The conventional and generally applied MIRD schema is based on the premise that the distribution of microspheres in the liver parenchyma is uniform. In reality, however, the distribution of the microspheres follows a distinct pattern, requiring that a model be developed to more appropriately estimate radiation absorbed doses to the different structural/functional elements of the hepatic microanatomy.