Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a form of hadrontherapy that acts inside cells. Based on the nuclear reaction between thermal neutrons and boron-10 nuclei, this method allows the tumor to be targeted with cellular precision. Since the charged products of the capture reaction have a range limited to cell diameter, the energy is released exclusively inside the cancer cells, preserving the integrity of the surrounding healthy tissues. Thanks to this intrinsic selectivity, BNCT is a therapeutic option for complex diseases, including infiltrating, multifocal and radioresistant tumors.
- Construction of a BNCT center in Caserta (PNC-PNRR ANTHEM project)
- BNCT radiobiology (GIOCONDA project, BaC ANTHEM)
- Computational and experimental dosimetry, neutron spectrometry
- Treatment planning, AI imaging techniques, computational radiobiology
- Innovative materials for neutron moderation
- Boron concentration measurement
- Study of cross sections of nuclear reactions for neutron production
Contacts: Silva Bortolussi
Group members: Ian Postuma, Setareh Fatemi, Ricardo L. Ramos, Maria Paola
Demichelis, Cristina Pezzi, Alessandro Colombi, Andrea Fontana, Valerio Vercesi
- Realization of an AB-BNCT facility at CNAO
- Computational and experimental dosimetry, neutron spectrometry
- Computational radiobiology
- In vitro and in vivo radiobiological studies
- Feasibility and effectiveness studies of BNCT for tumors and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Measurement of boron concentration
- SPECT-Compton Camera online imaging with CdZnTe
Contacts: Nicoletta Protti
Group members: Alessandro Somenzi