Dosimetry and stability studies of the Boron Neutron Capture Therapy agent F-BPA-Fr using PET and MRI

The treatment of deep seated brain tumors such as Glioblastoma Multiforme has been unsuccessful for many patients. Surgical debulking, chemotherapy and standard radiotherapy have met with limited success. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy offers a binary mode brachytherapy based on the following capture reaction that may provide an innovative alternative to standard forms of treatment:

¹⁰B + n -> ¹¹B -> ⁷Li + ⁴He + 2.31 MeV

Boron is chemically attached to a tumor binding compound creating a non-toxic neutron absorber. A dose of epithermal neutrons provides the catalyst to produce the Lithium and alpha particles which destroy any tissue within a length of one cell diameter from the boron compound.

This dissertation uses ¹⁹F-MRI and ¹⁸F-PET to provide answers to the localization and biodistribution questions that arise in such a treatment modality. Practical patient dosimetry and actual treatment planning using the PET data is also examined. Finally, theoretical work done in the areas of compartmental modelling dealing with pharmacokinetic uptake of the PET radiotracer and dose analysis in microdosimetry is also presented.