The advantage of radiation effect of neutron beam is its higher Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) than conventional X or gamma ray because the neutron beam is densely ionizing radiation which is presented by high Linear Energy Transfer (LET). This physical and radiobiological charac- teristics does more effective role in killing of cells in the state of biologically radioresistant to the conventional radiation. In relation to this theoretical base, the rationale of high LET radiation in the application to clinical radiotherapy is summarized as, 1) high oxygen enhancement ratio, 2) less repair of cell damage, and 3) less dependence of radiosensitivity of cell cycle. The Department of Therapeutic Radiology of Korea Cancer Center Hospital started first neutron therapy on October 15, 1986 by KCCH-Cyclotron which is the first cyclotron in Korea. The authors analyzed the experience of effectiveness of neutron irradiation in various cancer of 48 patients who had been treated during until September 15, 1987 The conclusion is as follows; 1) Fast neutron therapy achieve high local control rate in prostate, salivary gland, bone and soft tissue malignances. 2) Fast Neution therapy may increase local control rate in advanced head and neck, metastatic neck node, breast cancer and brain tumor. 3) Fast neutron therapy may have a role in giant mass, post operative recurrence and mesenchymal tumor which cannot be controlled by low LET radiation. 4) Palliative fast neutron therapy may have a role to prolong the life time. 5) It is considered that the result of treatment will be improved by development of treatment technique of fast neutron beam.
PDF Links
Full text via DOI 
Download Citation 
