On the effect of gadolinium in neutron capture therapy

The possibility of (n,gamma) reaction for cancer therapy is discussed in co nnection with gadolinium due to its exceptionally high cross section. It is argued that the therapeutic effect is not only due to Auger electrons but also to the recoil of the Gd atom. If the Gd atom is bound to the DNA it wi ll cause several raptures in the same DNA molecule leading to death of the cancerous cells.