Clinical Californium-252 Boron Neutron Capture Enhancement

Cf-252 has been shown to be effective as a radium substitute for cancer radiation therapy. Since it is a neutron emitter, it can be used for neutron therapy and has biological advantages for the treatment of bulky, advanced or radioresistant cancers. The greatest advantages have been shown for gynecological, head and neck and body surface or aero-digestive tumors where tumors of large size or known radioresistance are better treated by Cf neutrons than by photon therapy. The greatest potential for Cf-252 (Cf) neutrons may be because the emitted neutrons are of low energy and become thermalized in tumor/ tissue thus making boron neutron capture enhancement (BNCE) of Cf brachytherapy possible. We have carried out studies of BNCE including MCNP computer analysis, direct measurement, treatment planning and experimental animal studies. These studies all support the potential applicability of BNCE for human cancer therapy.