The biological mechanism and clinical application of boron neutron capture therapy / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

ABSTRACT

Boron neutron capture therapy(BNCT), a promising radiotherapy, belongs to precision treatment for cancers. BNCT can accurately kill cancer cells and protect normal cells at the same time relying on 10B compounds with high efficacy. The research about developing new 10B compounds is in progress, and novel and efficient 10B compounds are emerging, which greatly facilitate broadening the advantages and efficacy of BNCT. Considering the mixed rays generated from the BNCT process, its biological effects on tumor cells are relatively complex, and related studies are still lacking. The molecular mechanisms underlying BNCT need to be elucidated further. BNCT has been applied in the treatment of malignant brain tumors, head and neck cancers, and malignant melanoma with favorable curative effects. This review mainly focuses on the development of 10B compounds, biological mechanisms, potential advantages, and clinical applications.