Radiation Oncology/Neutrons

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Neutron Therapy

[edit] By Disease Site

Initial use of neutrons for clinical treatment occurred 1936-1943, but resulted in significant late effects
By 1960's, radiobiology of neutrons was better understood, and a cyclotron was constructed at the Hammersmith Hospital in London. In USA, physics-lab based devices were used for initial pilot trials.
In 1984, University of Washington commissioned a high-energy neutron generator for clinical beam delivery, with NCI funding
Neutrons can be delivered via several modalities
- External beam neutron therapy
- Boron-neutron capture therapy
- Neutron brachytherapy via Californium-252
Most clinical trials were inconclusive, and enthusiasm about neutrons as a treatment modality waned