Cancer radiotherapy with mini neutron/gamma-ray generators

Recent advancements in negative hydrogen (H-) or negative deuterium (D-) ion source technology as well as the commercial availability of high-frequency AC high-voltage power supplies have enabled the development of mini neutron/gamma-ray generators using low-energy nuclear reactions. These generators can provide a useful flux of high-energy neutrons or gamma photons in either pulsed or continuous operations. With the new mini generator, intraoperative radiotherapy as well as treatment of tumors in the brain, skin, breast, salivary gland, pancreas, liver, and kidney can be performed using external or internal neutron/gamma-ray beams. The new radiotherapy system is very compact and requires very low power for operation, enabling its location inside an operation room of a hospital or clinical facility.