Abstract
An innovative molecule, GdBLDL, for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has been developed and its effectiveness as a BNCT carrier is currently under evaluation using in vivo experiments on small animal tumour models. The molecule contains both 10B (the most commonly used NCT agent) and 157Gd nuclei. 157Gd is the second most studied element to perform NCT, mainly thanks to its high cross section for the capture of low-energy neutrons. The main drawbackof 157Gd neutron capture reaction is the very short range and low-energy secondary charged particles (Auger electrons), which requires 157Gd to be very close to the cellular DNA to have an appreciable biological effect. Treatment doses were calculated by Monte Carlo simulations to ensure the optimised tumour irradiation and the sparing of the healthy organs of the irradiated animals. The enhancement of the absorbed dose due to the simultaneous presence of 10B and 157Gd in the experimental set-up was calculated and the advantage introduced by the presence of 157Gd was discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 369-373 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Radiation Protection Dosimetry |
Volume | 166 |
Issue number | 1-4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sep 1 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiation
- Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health