Internal Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) treatment planning optimization
Qihui Lyu, Professor
UC San Francisco
Applications for Fall 2025 are closed for this project.
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a targeted radiotherapy technique that relies on the preferential accumulation of boron-10 in tumor cells, followed by irradiation with low-energy neutrons to produce high–linear energy transfer alpha particles at the cellular level. Conventional BNCT uses external neutron beams, which results in undesired dose spillage to normal tissues when treating deep-seated tumors due to significant attenuation and scattering. This project develops a new approach for BNCT by using an internal miniaturized neutron source positioned within the tumor, dramatically improving dose conformity and sparing of healthy tissue.
Role: The student will work with a graduate student on the Monte Carlo simulation, algorithm development, and result analysis. The student will be trained on literature search, research problem formulation, coding, computational algorithms, and scientific writing. In particular, relevant to this project, the student will learn Monte Carlo methods, convex optimization algorithms, and image processing.
Qualifications: Applicants should have strong background in mathematical modeling, physics, and/or Computer Vision. Prior experience in mathematical modeling and coding is desirable but not essential. The student is expected to meet with the faculty mentor weekly.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Jisu Park, Graduate Student
Hours: 12 or more hours
Off-Campus Research Site: The student can choose to work remotely or work at the UCSF mission bay campus.
Related website: http://lyulab.ucsf.edu/
Engineering, Design & Technologies Mathematical and Physical Sciences