Cyclotron commissioning

During Phase I of system commissioning, the focus was on testing the proton beam. This included beam diagnostics, measurement of beam current and energy, monitoring of beam profiles, and integration of the cooling system, safety interlock system, and treatment control system. The outcome demonstrated good proton beam stability under anticipated clinical conditions.

Epithermal neutron beam

 Following the cyclotron commissioning, a series of neutron beam tests were conducted. The neutron intensity was determined by neutron activation measurement of gold foils, and the requirement of 1×10⁹ cm⁻²s⁻¹ epithermal neutron flux can be met with 210µA of proton current. The measured results indicate good linearity and stability for neutron beam production.

 The depth profile measured results are in good agreement with the same measurements performed at THOR BNCT, which has been used for two clinical trials of recurrent H&N Ca and more than 400 cases of salvage treatment.

Developments of BPA and ¹⁸F-BPA

An animal study was performed using BPA developed by Heron. Nude mice were injected subcutaneously in the leg with human squamous cell carcinoma (SAS). The results indicate significant tumor suppression following BNCT.

Patented synthesis route of ¹⁸F-BPA has been developed. The animal PET/CT image clearly shows the tumor volume.

• The stability of the Heron neutron irradiation system has been successfully validated for clinical-use conditions.
• High neutron production efficiency relative to proton current has been verified.

Both BPA and ¹⁸F-BPA have been successfully developed and validated in animal studies.