Description of BNCT
BNCT is a biologically targeted radiation therapy method where radiation is produced within the malignant cells. When this technique is used, the tumour site usually needs to be irradiated only once or twice.
BNCT is based on the ability of boron-10 (a stable boron isotope) atoms to react with low-energy neutrons. This minimally invasive treatment is started with a 2-hour intravenous infusion of a boron-carrier substance, which is followed by irradiation with low-energy neutrons.
Boronated phenylalanine (BPA) is used to carry boron into cancer cells. Using BPA as a carrier it is possible to deliver high concentrations of boron-10 to the tumour relative to surrounding normal tissue. When the tumour is next irradiated with neutrons, the boron atoms, now located within cancer cells, take up (capture) neutrons. The neutron capture will cause a so-called High-LET radiation when the boron atoms split up to form smaller particles (alpha particles and lithium nuclei, which are highly damaging to cancer cells and cause a large local radiation effect within the tumour). The high local radiation dose produced is lethal to the tumour cells while saving healthy tissue.
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