Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a radiation therapy that uses charged particles produced by a nuclear reaction between thermal neutrons and 10B. A high-intensity neutron source is required to perform BNCT, and it is important to understand the behavior of neutrons. Since BNCT using accelerators has been approved as a medical device, the number of treatment facilities is expected to increase in the future. This article describes the basic knowledge required to understand BNCT in clinical practice, including neutron generation and material interactions, as well as radiation protection considerations specific to BNCT.
Keywords: accelerator-based BNCT; boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT); neutron generation; neutron interactions; nuclear reactions; physical properties of neutrons; thermal neutron measurements.