Healthcare

BNCT Neutrons are used in the treatment of various brain tumors in Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Boron-10 is injected into a patient. The Boron-10 binds selectively to tumor cells. Large doses of thermal neutrons are then used to irradiate the patient. The neutron reacts with the Boron-10 nucleus yielding the excited state nucleus Boron-11 which decays to lithium-7 and emits an alpha particle. Both of these products ionize their immediate surroundings, leading to cell death in the vicinity of the interaction. The ionization is limited to a few microns, so this treatment is highly selective, targeting the radiation damage directly to the tumor. BNCT requires a large flux of thermal neutrons and these procedures are presently performed at nuclear reactors.

Adelphi Technology Inc. is developing a new generation of very high power neutron generators based on the DT reaction. This new generator line may allow BNCT to be performed in the oncology department of large hospitals.

We are also developing, along with our collaborators, various diagnostic techniques involving neutron analysis.

Please contact us as info@adelphitech.com to discuss your neutron generator needs.