Proton linacs for boron neutron capture therapy

Recent advances in the ability to deliver boron-containing drugs to brain tumors have generated interest in ~4 MeV linacs as sources of epithermal neutrons for radiation therapy. In addition, fast neutron therapy facilities have been studying methods to moderate their beams to take advantage of the high cross section for epithermal neutrons on boron-10. This paper describes the technical issues involved in each approach and presents the motivation for undertaking such studies using the Fermilab linac. The problems which must be solved before therapy can begin are outlined. Status of preparatory work and results of preliminary measurements are presented