Optimizing Boron Dose for Cervical Cancer Therapy Using BNCT and PHITS Simulations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55981/tdm.2025.7150Keywords:
BNCT, Dosimetry, Cervical, PHITSAbstract
Cervical cancer, with approximately 569,000 new cases annually, ranks as the fourth most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. This high incidence rate significantly contributes to its position as one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), a form of radiotherapy based on the neutron capture principle, utilizes boron-10 as a targeted agent for destroying cancer cells. In this study, the geometry of cervical cancer tissue and surrounding healthy organs was simulated under neutron irradiation, using boron concentrations of 100, 120, and 140 μg/g from the left-lateral and posterior-anterior directions. This study aimed to determine the optimal boron concentration and irradiation time for effective eradication of stage IIIA cervical cancer while minimizing side effects. The Particle and Heavy Ion Transport Code System (PHITS) was employed to model particle transport and dose distribution. Simulation results indicate that the total dose rate required for tumor eradication in the 8.68 × 10⁻² Gy/s Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) is achieved at a boron concentration of 140 μg/g, with minimal impact on surrounding tissues, and an optimal irradiation time of 18 minutes 22 seconds from the left-lateral direction.
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