Kermas for various substances averaged over the energy spectra of fast neutron therapy beams: A study in uncertainties

Kermas for various substances averaged over the energy spectra of fast neutron therapy beams, as well as ratios of average kermas relative to muscle, were calculated in an attempt to estimate the uncertainties introduced in these quantities by the poor knowledge of the elemental kerma functions, actual neutron energy spectra, and composition of tissues and other materials. Average kermas have uncertainties of the order of 7%-25%, while for ratios of average kermas the uncertainties are of the order of 2%-5% for materials of clinical interest. It is concluded that the ratio of average kerma of muscle to A-150 tissue-equivalent plastic should be 0.93 +/- 0.03 for the new p + Be clinical neutron beams.