ANSTO's Dingo Neutron Beam Platform Advances Cancer Therapy Research

In a significant advancement for cancer treatment research, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has unveiled its innovative Dingo neutron beam platform, which integrates high-fidelity simulation with biological experimentation. This cutting-edge technology enables researchers to model neutron therapy conditions and irradiate live cells, marking a pivotal development in neutron capture therapy (NCT) research.

The Dingo platform, operational at the Australian Center for Neutron Scattering, combines high-fidelity simulation, real-time dosimetry, and biological response measurements. According to Dr. Klaudiusz Jakubowski, lead author of a study published in Scientific Reports, this platform allows for precise experimental planning before researchers physically engage with the neutron beam. “The validated model gives us a level of confidence we didn't have before. It allows teams to simulate neutron fields with high fidelity and plan experiments precisely—before they touch the beamline,” stated Dr. Jakubowski, who is affiliated with ANSTO.

The Dingo instrument utilizes a validated Monte Carlo model, which incorporates advanced spectral unfolding techniques and a graphical interface for ease of use. This integration allows scientists to predict neutron spectra accurately and configure experimental setups with precision. The platform's capabilities extend to investigating the biological effects of neutron capture on human glioblastoma cells, with successful delivery of biologically meaningful thermal neutron doses confirmed through various assessment methods, including flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry.

Nicholas Howell, another lead author involved in the biological study, emphasized the significance of this advancement, stating, “We have shown that neutron radiobiology can be done at scale, without dedicated facilities. It is robust, reproducible, and designed to slot into existing infrastructure. That's what makes it sustainable.” This innovative platform supports the exploration of novel neutron capture agents for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and neutron capture enhanced particle therapy (NCEPT), which utilizes neutron fields generated during proton and ion beam treatments.

Dr. Joseph Bevitt, an instrument scientist at ANSTO, commended the team's efforts, noting, “Dingo was never designed for this kind of work, which makes it all the more impressive that the team achieved biological irradiation with the existing instrument configuration.” The Dingo platform is designed to provide a comprehensive scientific approach, merging simulation, dosimetry, and biological response measurement in one cohesive system.

In addition to its research capabilities, the Dingo platform plays a fundamental role in training the next generation of scientists. Ph.D. students, interns, and early-career researchers participate directly in simulation, irradiation planning, and post-experiment analysis, fostering practical experience in a translational research environment.

Dr. Mitra Safavi-Naeini, who leads the broader NCEPT program, highlighted the national implications of the Dingo platform, stating, “These kinds of validated facilities matter not just for research but for national capability. In other countries, beamlines like this are used by industry to test electronics, develop pharmaceuticals, and study radiation damage in materials. We have now shown that Australia can do the same and do it smart.”

Further enhancements to the Dingo instrument are underway, including automation of dosimetry workflows and expanded support for pharmaceutical screening. These developments underscore the importance of integrating simulation, experimental physics, and biology to propel Australia’s future in advanced radiation science.

The implications of this robust system extend beyond immediate research benefits; they signal a potential shift in how neutron therapy can be applied in clinical settings, thus enhancing treatment options for cancer patients. As the Dingo platform continues to evolve, its ability to facilitate innovative research and training will be critical in advancing the field of radiation therapy.

For more information, readers can refer to the studies by Klaudiusz Jakubowski et al. and Nicholas Howell et al., published in Scientific Reports in 2025, which detail the underlying technology and its applications in neutron therapy research.