Cancer Treatment Using Neutron Capture with Boron: Comparing the Effectiveness of Neutron Energy Generating Sources

Cancer treatment with neutron radiation is a significant scientific advancement. Neutrons are produced through nuclear fission in reactors, nuclear reactions in accelerators and neutron generators, and are also emitted by radioisotopes. The purpose of this article is to review and compare neutron sources obtained from various natural and artificial sources/methods; they can be used in the treatment of various diseases, especially cancers, in a therapeutic technique known as boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), which, like proton accelerators, relies on external neutron sources, but with enhanced characteristics, can serve as a promising method for treatment. The results show that whenever hyperthermal and fast neutrons are produced, neutron modulators can be used to convert them into thermal neutrons. In conclusion, given the operational advantages of accelerators—such as no radiation emission when turned off, ease of adjustment, lower cost, compact size, and higher safety—they are more suitable than other sources for medical applications.