In vivo boron-10 analysis for the pre-screening of compounds for BNCS

An in vivo boron-10 screening technique was developed to analyze the boron biodistribution in a rabbit knee for the pre-screening of compounds for Boron Neutron Capture Synovectomy (BNCS). Three approaches were investigated: emission computed tomography (ECT), transmission computed tomography (TCT) and in vivo prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (IVPGNAA). Each was first studied using simulation-generated projection data. Experimental data collection systems were then constructed for TCT and IVPGNAA, and phantom experiments were conducted at the MIT Research Reactor (MITR) to verify simulation results. While TCT was predicted to have superior performance in terms of spatial resolution, temporal resolution and boron quantification, IVPGNAA was chosen for further development given the readily available neutron sources at the MITR. Assuming an 8.5x105 cm-2s-1 incident neutron flux, a 3.5mmx20mm beam, and a knee injection of 1.05mg 10B, one projection data set can be collected within 12 minutes, for reconstruction of relative 10B distribution in eight 40mm2 regions. The estimated uncertainty associated with reconstructed results, assuming a regional 2000 ppm concentration, is [approx.] 25%. Phantom experiments demonstrated the overall feasibility of IVPGNAA as a means of conveniently evaluating spatial and temporal characteristics of 10B in a rabbit knee.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Nuclear Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Zhu, Xuping, 1970-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jacquelyn C. Yanch.

• Nuclear Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/28366

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/28366