Shaping an epithermal neutron source for the treatment of superficial types of cancer

A source of fast and epithermal neutrons with energy 250 MeV was constructed at the Prometheus medical accelerator and the yield of fast and epithermal neutrons was measured using a neutron power detection unit (BDMN-100). A heavy NaI target was used to produce fast neutrons. Newly developed materials protecting against neutrons were used to shape a channel for fast and epithermal neutrons. The BDMN-100 was used to determine dose profiles at the output of the neutron channel. The fast neutrons can be used for remote therapy. In addition, the neutron beam can be used to study biological objects and cells. This study addresses the use of a neutron source from the Prometheus accelerator for the treatment of superficial tumors.