Estimation of internal-exposure contribution in radiation dose exposure for boron neutron capture therapy.

This article focuses on estimating radiation exposure doses in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), emphasizing the contribution of internal exposure alongside external exposure. Using computational dosimetry based on clinical studies at a reactor-based BNCT facility, the study analyzed five head and neck irradiation regions with adult male and female phantom models. Results indicate that while external exposure primarily affects tissues in and around the irradiation field, internal exposure from radionuclides such as ^24Na, ^32P, and ^128I is significant, accounting for about 10% of the total effective dose. The findings suggest that accurate dose estimation in BNCT should include internal exposure considerations and that treatment planning must carefully account for irradiation areas to protect critical organs susceptible to internal radiation.