Boron analysis for neutron capture therapy using particle-induced gamma-ray emission

• Published in: Applied radiation and isotopes 2015-12, Vol.106, p.166-170
• Main Authors: Nakai, Kei, Yamamoto, Yohei, Okamoto, Emiko, Yamamoto, Tetsuya, Yoshida, Fumiyo, Matsumura, Akira, Yamada, Naoto, Kitamura, Akane, Koka, Masashi, Satoh, Takahiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Boron; Boron - analysis; Boron Neutron Capture Therapy; Cell Culture Techniques; Culture Media; Gamma Rays; Particle-induced gamma-ray emission
• ISSN: 0969-8043; 1872-9800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.07.035

The neutron source of BNCT is currently changing from reactor to accelerator, but peripheral facilities such as a dose-planning system and blood boron analysis have still not been established. To evaluate the potential application of particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) for boron measurement in clinical boron neutron capture therapy, boronophenylalanine dissolved within a cell culture medium was measured using PIGE. PIGE detected 18μgB/mL f-BPA in the culture medium, and all measurements of any given sample were taken within 20min. Two hours of f-BPA exposure was required to create a boron distribution image. However, even though boron remained in the cells, the boron on the cell membrane could not be distinguished from the boron in the cytoplasm. •PIGE was evaluated for measuring blood boron concentration during clinical BNCT.•PIGE detected 18μgB/mL f-BPA in culture medium.•All measurements of any given sample were taken within 20min.•Two hours of f-BPA exposure is required to create boron distribution image by PIGE.•Boron on the cell membrane could not be distinguished from boron in the cytoplasm.