Cost estimation of boron-neutron capture therapy when using proton accelerators and compact neutron generators

DOI: 10.33917/mic-5.124.2025.57-68

Boron-neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is one of the most effective treatments for a number of oncological diseases. Boron isotope 5¹⁰B is injected into malignant tumors and then it is irradiated with thermal neutrons. The decay products of boron (lithium and helium nuclei) have a low mileage in body tissue and destroy the tumor cells. Compact neutron generators (as neutron sources based on proton or deuton accelerators) are attracting more and more attention. Interaction of proton or deuton with a cooled target made of special materials generates neutrons. In the world there are more than sixteen BNCT centers based on compact accelerators at various stages of development. Russia has accumulated extensive experience in the production of compact neutron generators for various industries, however, their use for nuclear medicine purposes is just beginning. Therefore, the economic analysis of the creation of BNRT centers is of great scientific and practical interest. In this paper, an attempt is made to evaluate the effectiveness of investments into BNCT-centr and the cost of medical services using neutron generators, based on the methodology developed at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. Published information on the capital and operating costs of a number of foreign medical centers was used as initial data for the investment analysis of BNCT-centers. It is shown, as the result of the calculations, that depending on the amount of financial costs for BNCT-centr construction and operation and on the number of patients served, the cost of medical services may exceed 10-20 thousands of dollars per patient.

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