| |
|
About Us
The Northern Illinois University Institute for Neutron Therapy at Fermilab is one of only three sites in the United States offering the neutron therapy treatment option to cancer patients.
The neutron therapy clinic at Fermilab has treated more than 3,100 patients and has been in operation longer than any other neutron therapy program in the nation. In 2004, Northern Illinois University assumed management of the facility. In keeping with the mission of NIU, a large doctoral /research extensive university, the Institute is embarking on research efforts to demonstrate the usefulness of neutron therapy and investigate its potential for expanded uses.
Facility Information
| Fermilab operates the most powerful particle accelerator in the world. It was built for high-energy physics research. The NIU Institute for Neutron Therapy (INT) is possible at Fermilab because the Linear Accelerator (Linac), part of the injector equipment, provides more beam than is necessary to support the high energy physics program. Under computer control, the "extra" Linac beam is automatically switched to the NIU INT as needed for patient treatment. |
| Under computer control the "extra" Linac beam is automatically switched to the NIU INT as needed for patient treatment. | |
To create the NIU INT, the space between two of the radiofrequency accelerating tanks in the linear accelerator was increased to allow room for a bending magnet. This magnet deflects protons from the Linac into the NIU INT beam line where they strike a beryllium target. Interactions between protons and beryllium atoms produce neutrons. The NIU Institute for Neutron Therapy at Fermilab has the highest energy, and, therefore, the most penetrating fast neutron beam in the United States. An absorbing wall with an appropriately tapered hole is located between the neutron source and the patient. The hole size is adjustable, and beam shaping devices are used to assure that radiation is delivered only to the part of the body that the physician wants to treat.
The treatment room has two levels. It is entered on the upper level which contains x-ray equipment and low-power lasers used to position the patient for treatment. The platform is then lowered to the level of the neutron beam where the actual treatment occurs. After treatment the platform is raised to the upper level so the patient can leave the room.
An isocentric system is used to adjust the patient position between exposures. Each exposure to the beam lasts from one to three minutes. Treatment times are shorter than at any other fast neutron treatment center because the Fermilab beam has higher intensity, and therefore, a higher dose rate than any other facility. Total treatment time, including set-up and irradiation, is 20-30 minutes depending on the complexity of the setup. There is no pain involved in the treatment process. During treatment the patient is observed by a closed circuit television and communication is maintained by an intercom system. Generally, treatment is given three times a week for four weeks.
|
