$^7$Be and $^{22}$Na radionuclides for a new therapy of cancer

Abstract

The $^{10}$B isotope has been almost exclusively used in the neutron-capture radiation therapy (NCT) of cancer for decades. We have identified two other nuclides suitable for the radiotherapy, which have ca.10 times larger cross section of absorption for neutrons and emit heavy charged particles. This would provide several key advantages for potential NCT, such as the possibility to use either a lower nuclide concentration in the target tissues, or a lower neutron irradiation flux. By detecting the characteristic $\gamma$ radiation from the spontaneous decay of the radionuclides, one can image and control their accumulation. These advantages could be critical for the revival of the NCT as a safer, more efficient and more widely used cancer therapy.