Nuclear Science and Engineering journal published results of assessment of MBIR reactor's potential for neutron capture therapy
21.04.2026
Nuclear Science and Engineering journal published results of assessment of MBIR reactor's potential for neutron capture therapy
Scientists from the Rosatom Research Institute in Obninsk have published an article in the authoritative international journal Nuclear Science and Engineering, dedicated to the prospects for using the MBIR reactor, currently under construction, in nuclear medicine.
This paper examines the feasibility of using the reactor's horizontal experimental channels for neutron capture therapy, a malignant tumor treatment method based on the selective accumulation of boron-10 in cancer cells and subsequent neutron beam irradiation.
The authors calculated the optimal configuration of the collimator – a device that generates a highly focused neutron beam – for channel 5, which, based on its overall characteristics, is most suitable for this purpose. The obtained estimates of the neutron spectrum and dose distribution in healthy tissue and tumors confirm the technical feasibility of creating an effective neutron source for neutron capture therapy research at the Multipurpose Fast-Neutron Research Reactor (MBIR).
For reference:
The Rosatom Research Institute in Obninsk (part of the Scientific Division of Rosatom) is one of the leading research centers of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation. Ideas for the creation of fast neutron reactors and reactors with direct nuclear-to-electric energy conversion were proposed and implemented there. The institute is a world leader in the use of liquid metals as coolants in fast neutron reactors, as well as in marine and space nuclear power plants. The institute serves as the scientific supervisor for all Russian sodium-cooled reactors. The institute's work in nuclear physics, nuclear energy technologies, and nuclear safety has received worldwide recognition. The Rosatom Research Institute in Obninsk conducts experimental research in the fields of nuclear laser and plasma physics, radiation materials science, radiochemistry, and new science-intensive technologies, including nanotechnology, hydrogen energy technologies, and nuclear medicine.
MBIR is a multipurpose fast-neutron research reactor with sodium coolant and the thermal capacity of approximately 150 MW. The reactor is under construction in Dimitrovgrad at the site of the State Scientific Center - Research Institute for Atomic Reactors (RIAR JSC, a part of the R&D division of Rosatom State Corporation) within the framework of the national technological leadership project "New Nuclear and Energy Technologies". Currently, work is underway on installing the equipment of the reactor's primary circuit: in 2025, the cold filter-traps of the emergency heat removal system loop were installed in their design positions. As part of the primary circuit installation, adapters of hot pipelines have been welded to the reactor vessel and the first pipeline blocks; the installation of the main process equipment in the sodium storage building has been completed; a fuel handling mechanism and steam-water washing sockets for spent fuel assemblies (FA) have also been delivered. In 2026, two emergency heat exchangers weighing 7.3 tons, 5 meters high, and 1.5 meters in diameter have been installed in their design positions.
MBIR is intended for performance of reactor tests, production of radioisotopes, production of modified materials, as well as testing of new type equipment and systems. The unique capabilities of the new reactor are expected to accelerate development of solutions for the two-component nuclear power and the closed nuclear fuel cycle, as well as design of safe Generation IV nuclear power systems.
The International Research Center (IRC) in the form of an international consortium is established on the basis of MBIR reactor. The Consortium participants gain ‘fast track’ access to carry out the experiments needed for national programs of nuclear energy peaceful applications. The Consortium format allows for flexible use of the reactor resource for the demands of the scientific community. IRC MBIR Consortium is open to new members. The Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, the Nuclear Physics Institute at the Academy of Science of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Shanghai ZDAN International, a Chinese company, have already joint the Consortium as the main participants.
This paper examines the feasibility of using the reactor's horizontal experimental channels for neutron capture therapy, a malignant tumor treatment method based on the selective accumulation of boron-10 in cancer cells and subsequent neutron beam irradiation.
The authors calculated the optimal configuration of the collimator – a device that generates a highly focused neutron beam – for channel 5, which, based on its overall characteristics, is most suitable for this purpose. The obtained estimates of the neutron spectrum and dose distribution in healthy tissue and tumors confirm the technical feasibility of creating an effective neutron source for neutron capture therapy research at the Multipurpose Fast-Neutron Research Reactor (MBIR).
For reference:
The Rosatom Research Institute in Obninsk (part of the Scientific Division of Rosatom) is one of the leading research centers of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation. Ideas for the creation of fast neutron reactors and reactors with direct nuclear-to-electric energy conversion were proposed and implemented there. The institute is a world leader in the use of liquid metals as coolants in fast neutron reactors, as well as in marine and space nuclear power plants. The institute serves as the scientific supervisor for all Russian sodium-cooled reactors. The institute's work in nuclear physics, nuclear energy technologies, and nuclear safety has received worldwide recognition. The Rosatom Research Institute in Obninsk conducts experimental research in the fields of nuclear laser and plasma physics, radiation materials science, radiochemistry, and new science-intensive technologies, including nanotechnology, hydrogen energy technologies, and nuclear medicine.
MBIR is a multipurpose fast-neutron research reactor with sodium coolant and the thermal capacity of approximately 150 MW. The reactor is under construction in Dimitrovgrad at the site of the State Scientific Center - Research Institute for Atomic Reactors (RIAR JSC, a part of the R&D division of Rosatom State Corporation) within the framework of the national technological leadership project "New Nuclear and Energy Technologies". Currently, work is underway on installing the equipment of the reactor's primary circuit: in 2025, the cold filter-traps of the emergency heat removal system loop were installed in their design positions. As part of the primary circuit installation, adapters of hot pipelines have been welded to the reactor vessel and the first pipeline blocks; the installation of the main process equipment in the sodium storage building has been completed; a fuel handling mechanism and steam-water washing sockets for spent fuel assemblies (FA) have also been delivered. In 2026, two emergency heat exchangers weighing 7.3 tons, 5 meters high, and 1.5 meters in diameter have been installed in their design positions.
MBIR is intended for performance of reactor tests, production of radioisotopes, production of modified materials, as well as testing of new type equipment and systems. The unique capabilities of the new reactor are expected to accelerate development of solutions for the two-component nuclear power and the closed nuclear fuel cycle, as well as design of safe Generation IV nuclear power systems.
The International Research Center (IRC) in the form of an international consortium is established on the basis of MBIR reactor. The Consortium participants gain ‘fast track’ access to carry out the experiments needed for national programs of nuclear energy peaceful applications. The Consortium format allows for flexible use of the reactor resource for the demands of the scientific community. IRC MBIR Consortium is open to new members. The Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, the Nuclear Physics Institute at the Academy of Science of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Shanghai ZDAN International, a Chinese company, have already joint the Consortium as the main participants.