TY - JOUR

T1 - Application of the prompt γ-ray spectroscopy in the boron neutron capture therapy of pets

AU - Maltseva, Victoria D.

AU - Bykov, Timofey A.

AU - Chesnokova, Yiliia L.

AU - Deeb, Rahaf

AU - Degtyareva, Marina A.

AU - Dmitrieva, Ekaterina S.

AU - Kasatova, Anna I.

AU - Kasatov, Dmitrii A.

AU - Taskaeva, Iuliia

AU - Uspenskii, Sergey A.

AU - Taskaev, Sergey Yu

PY - 2026/8

Y1 - 2026/8

N2 - Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) consists of the selective accumulation of boron-10 in tumor cells and targeted neutron irradiation. A critical challenge for clinical implementation is the accurate real-time measurement of the absorbed boron dose. This study presents the first application of prompt γ-ray spectroscopy to evaluate boron uptake and clearance dynamics during BNCT in a cohort of ten pets with spontaneous tumors. The research was conducted at an accelerator-based neutron source using a high-purity germanium γ-spectrometer, shielded and positioned to detect 478 keV photons emitted during the boron neutron capture reaction. The method successfully allowed for the direct, non-invasive monitoring of boron concentration within the irradiation volume. Results demonstrated significant inter-subject variability, with the intensity of capture reactions differing by a factor of 10 and boron clearance times varying by a factor of 6 among the animals. Crucially, the study established that the measured intensity of boron neutron capture events did not correlate with either tumor volume or boron concentration in the blood. Furthermore, boron clearance from tumors (3–17 h) was notably slower than that from blood (1–3 h). These findings indicate that relying solely on blood analysis for treatment planning is insufficient. Consequently, the integration of prompt γ-ray spectroscopy is strongly recommended for clinical BNCT to ensure precise dosimetry, optimize treatment duration, and improve outcome assessment.

AB - Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) consists of the selective accumulation of boron-10 in tumor cells and targeted neutron irradiation. A critical challenge for clinical implementation is the accurate real-time measurement of the absorbed boron dose. This study presents the first application of prompt γ-ray spectroscopy to evaluate boron uptake and clearance dynamics during BNCT in a cohort of ten pets with spontaneous tumors. The research was conducted at an accelerator-based neutron source using a high-purity germanium γ-spectrometer, shielded and positioned to detect 478 keV photons emitted during the boron neutron capture reaction. The method successfully allowed for the direct, non-invasive monitoring of boron concentration within the irradiation volume. Results demonstrated significant inter-subject variability, with the intensity of capture reactions differing by a factor of 10 and boron clearance times varying by a factor of 6 among the animals. Crucially, the study established that the measured intensity of boron neutron capture events did not correlate with either tumor volume or boron concentration in the blood. Furthermore, boron clearance from tumors (3–17 h) was notably slower than that from blood (1–3 h). These findings indicate that relying solely on blood analysis for treatment planning is insufficient. Consequently, the integration of prompt γ-ray spectroscopy is strongly recommended for clinical BNCT to ensure precise dosimetry, optimize treatment duration, and improve outcome assessment.

KW - Accelerator-based neutron source

KW - Boron neutron capture therapy

KW - Dosimetry

KW - Prompt γ-ray spectroscopy

KW - Veterinary oncology

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105037061916

UR - https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/cf16f181-748a-36c8-a4ec-065227091790/

U2 - 10.1016/j.apradiso.2026.112648

DO - 10.1016/j.apradiso.2026.112648

M3 - Article

C2 - 42054749

VL - 234

JO - Applied Radiation and Isotopes

JF - Applied Radiation and Isotopes

SN - 0969-8043

M1 - 112648

ER -