Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Applications in Oncology

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary radiotherapeutic modality that exploits the nuclear capture reaction between the stable isotope boron-10 and low-energy neutrons. Following selective accumulation of boron-bearing agents within tumour cells, irradiation with thermal or epithermal neutrons induces a capture reaction that yields high-linear-energy alpha particles and lithium nuclei. These charged particles deposit lethal doses of radiation over a cell’s diameter, maximising tumour cell kill while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Clinical investigations have focused on high-grade gliomas, recurrent head and neck carcinomas, melanoma and other radioresistant or infiltrative tumours. Recent advances encompass the design of novel boron delivery vehicles, refined dosimetric and treatment-planning models, integration of real-time imaging and expansion of accessible neutron sources. Together, these developments are extending the global applicability of BNCT and opening avenues for combination strategies with immunotherapy and targeted systemic treatments.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent investigations have engineered neutron-activated boron capsules that combine BNCT with on-demand release of immune adjuvants, demonstrating near-complete regression of both primary and distant tumours in preclinical models through synergistic radiotherapeutic and immunogenic mechanisms. In parallel, a stochastic microdosimetric model has been established to predict biological effectiveness by accounting for intra- and intercellular heterogeneity in boron distribution. Utilising advanced Monte Carlo transport simulations, this framework offers a quantitative tool for optimising dose distributions at micrometre scales and guiding the development of next-generation boron compounds.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Applications in Oncology publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in boron neutron capture therapy applications in oncology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT): A targeted radiotherapy that uses the nuclear reaction between boron-10 and neutrons to generate high-energy particles within tumour cells.

Boron delivery agent: A compound or vehicle designed to deliver boron-10 selectively to tumour tissue, ensuring adequate intracellular boron concentration before neutron irradiation.

Epithermal neutron: A neutron with energy intermediate between thermal and fast neutrons, used to penetrate tissue before thermalisation for BNCT.

Microdosimetry: The study and quantification of energy deposition by ionising radiation at microscopic scales, crucial for predicting biological effects in BNCT.

Tumour microenvironment: The complex milieu of cells, extracellular matrix and signalling molecules surrounding a tumour, influencing therapy delivery and response.

References

1. Localized nuclear reaction breaks boron drug capsules loaded with immune adjuvants for cancer immunotherapy. Nature Communications (2023).
2. The role of radiolabeling in BNCT tracers for enhanced dosimetry and treatment planning. Theranostics (2023).
3. Human Serum Albumin‐Coated 10B Enriched Carbon Dots as Targeted “Pilot Light” for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. Advanced Science (2024).
4. Macrophages as carriers of boron carbide nanoparticles dedicated to boron neutron capture therapy. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2024).
5. Microdosimetric Modeling of Biological Effectiveness for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Considering Intra- and Intercellular Heterogeneity in 10B Distribution. Scientific Reports (2018).