The isocentric fast neutron therapy facility at Edinburgh

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Abstract
A 2nd fast neutron beam for radiotherapy was brought into operation at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh. This beam is isocentrically mounted and can be rotated through .+-.120.degree. from the vertical. Neutrons are produced by bombarding a thick Be target with 15 MeV deuterons. The provision of an isocentric facility enables some of the problems associated with poor beam penetration to be alleviated. The physical features of the isocentric facility are described with particular reference to the shielding and the methods employed to overcome problems of neutron activation. The prompt radiation leakage and the induced activity were measured. For the first 8 mo. of operation the whole body dose-equivalent to radiographers was approximately 6 .mu.Sv (0.6 mrem)/patient treated. Dosimetry associated with the facility is discussed and an example of a 7 field treatment plan for a human bladder is presented.