Distortion of fast-neutron dose distribution by bone

• Published in: Medical physics (Lancaster) Vol. 3; no. 3; p. 181
• Main Authors: McGinley, P H, McLaren, J R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-05-1976
• Subjects: Bone and Bones; Fast Neutrons; Humans; Neutrons; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy, High-Energy
• ISSN: 0094-2405
• DOI: 10.1118/1.594232

The influence of bone on dose distributions due to fast neutrons generated at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Cyclotron was investigated. A paired dosimeter consisting of a parallel-plate, tissue-equivalent ionization chamber and thermoluminscent material was used to partition the absorbed dose into neutron and gamma-ray components. Several thicknesses of bone were simulated using bone-equivalent liquid and plastic. Based on these measurements, the authors conclude that, as a result of the increased absorption of neutrons by bone, lower dose levels are found behind bone would be predicted from dose distributions in muscle-equivalent liquid.