MIT Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Whitaker College of Health Sciences and Technology
B.S. 1981 (Psychology), B.S. 1983 (Health and Radiation Physics), MS 1985 (Health and Radiation Physics) McMaster University; PhD 1988 (Physics) University of London.
Computational methods in medical physics; Nuclear medicine imaging; Radiation therapy; Accelerator neutron production.
The potential of a new means of treating rheumatoid arthritis is under investigation in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Newton Scientific, an industrial collaborator. Our method involves injection of a boronated compound into an arthritic joint, followed by joint irradiation with a low-energy neutron beam synovectomy in an animal model of arthritis. Neutron irradiation carried out using a newly constructed epithermal neutron beam assembly installed on the high-current tandem accelerator demonstrated the efficacy of Boron Neutron Capture. Work is continuing on this developmental approach.
A method of treating solid tumors with fast neutrons via accelerator-based brachytherapy is being investigated. Our proposed therapy involves the interstitial or intracavity insertion of a narrow, evacuated accelerator beam tube such that its tip (containing the neutron-producing target) is placed within, or in close proximity to, the tumor. To date, two prototype devices have been constructed and all engineering aspects successfully addressed. One prototype has been used in dosimetry experiments to demonstrate that treatment of large tumors can be carried out in only a few minutes. Our current investigations are addressing the suitability of this approach for treating adenocarcinoma in the prostate, a cancer already shown to respond better to neutrons than to conventional photon radiotherapy.
A new proton microprobe has recently been installed on our 1.5 MeV single-ended electrostatic accelerator. The scanning microprobe will be capable of delivering nanoamperes of proton current in a 1µm focal spot, and as such will be optimized for the ultrahigh resolution detection and mapping of trace element distributions in solid samples. This can be carried out using the techniques of proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), Rutherford backscattering, and nuclear reaction analysis. A dedicated end-station for irradiation of cells is under construction. In conjunction with the existing microprobe, this end-station will allow the irradiation of cells with 1-2 µm resolution. This capability makes it possible to investigate in detail the consequences of cytoplasmic irradiation versus irradiation of the nucleus. In addition, irradiation of cells with predetermined numbers of particles will be possible. This will allow us to duplicate experimentally the radiation conditions of occupational and environmental exposures; in such situations virtually no cell receives more than one hit.
Jeffrey A. Coderre Associate Professor of Nuclear Engineering
B.S. 1975 (Marine Science, Chemistry), PhD 1981 (Chemistry) Yale University
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), Basic radiation biology; Radiation biology of BNCT
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary therapy that relies on a boronated drug to sensitize tumor cells to irradiation with low-energy neutrons. The short range of the particles released from the BNC reaction restricts most of the dose to boron-loaded tumor cells. In tissue, BNCT produces both high- and low-linear energy transfer radiations which have different effects in tumor and normal tissues. Our research focuses on characterizing and quantifying these distinct effects. We are also testing new boron compounds for application against other types of tumors; these studies use cells in culture, tumor models in experimental animals, and irradiation with neutron beams at the MIT Reactor.
We are investigating the effects of alpha particle radiation on DNA, on cell survival, and on biological signaling pathways within and between cells. Alpha particle sources have been developed for irradiation of cells in culture, and for studies of the “bystander effect,” a recently discovered phenomenon whereby non-targeted cells suffer DNA damage and death. The model system allows us to study the chemical signaling pathways involved, with the aim of manipulating this pathway to increase the level of cell kill in tumor sites treated with alpha particle-labeled antibodies through synergistic effects with chemotherapy agents.
We are using the BNC reaction to investigate how radiation damages normal tissue. A high molecular weight boron compound has been prepared that will remain inside the blood vessels. The short path of radiations from the BNC reaction irradiate the blood vessel walls but not the surrounding functional cells. This unique approach is the only way to address a key question in radiation biology, that is, whether damage to blood vessel cells or to their surrounding functional cells are responsible for radiation side effects in normal tissue.
Otto K. Harling Professor Emeritus of Nuclear Engineering
B.S. 1953 Illinois Institute of Technology; M.S. 1955 University of Heidelberg; PhD 1962 (Physics) Penn State University
Neutron capture therapy; Research reactor applications; Experimental materials research; Neutron scattering.
Our project has as its goal the development of neutron capture therapy (NCT) for the treatment of cancers. Current activities include a Phase I trial for brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, and brain metastases of melanoma, and another Phase I trial for peripheral metastatic melanoma. A total of 24 subjects have been irradiated under the brain cancer protocol and five under the peripheral melanoma protocol. The end point of a phase 1 trial is the observation of significant normal tissue toxicity; neither trial has yet reached this level of toxicity. Interesting anecdotal evidence suggests tumor regression in the melanomas irradiated at the MIT Research Reactor’s epithermal neutron beam facility. Other research in this project is focused on obtaining a better understanding of the macroscopic and microscopic distribution and concentration of the boron capture agents used in NCT, animal experiments, development of treatment planning codes, and microdosimetry.
We have also designed and constructed an advanced epithermal neutron irradiation facility at the MIT Research Reactor, using a fission converter as a source for the epithermal beam. This is a new approach that significantly increases intensity and quality over the previously available beam, and will greatly facilitate the development of this new cancer treatment at MIT.
Our project team is comprised of various interdisciplinary groups located at the MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Alan Jasanoff Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Brain & Cognitive Sciences
AB ‘92, PhD ‘98 (biophysics) Harvard University
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applied to the nervous system, new methods for mapping neural circuitry using MRI, conventional functional MRI (using hemodynamic contrast) in animals, physiological correlates of behavior, near cellular-resolution MRI microscopy in vivo, development of molecular neuroimaging agents.
