BORON NEUTRON CAPTURE THERAPY (BNCT)
Cancer treatments are typically categorized into three main types: radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. However, Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) stands out as a groundbreaking treatment option, distinct from traditional radiotherapy, due to its ability to selectively target cancer cells by leveraging the reaction between neutrons and boron. This innovative approach shows great potential in terms of both effectiveness and safety, potentially emerging as a fourth pillar in cancer treatment options.
Procedure: Before commencing BNCT, the accumulation of boron compounds in the cancer is checked by marking boron agents with a radioactive nuclide and administering a PET inspection. After determining that a sufficient level of boron can accumulate in the cancer, the patient receives a dose of boron compound and is irradiated with an epithermal neutron taken from a nuclear reactor or an accelerator. Neutron thermalization of the epithermal neutron then takes place in the body and the boron reacts with the cancer to selectively destroy the cancer in a highly selective manner.
Prior to initiating Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), the presence of boron compounds within the cancerous tissue is assessed by marking boron agents with a radioactive nuclide and conducting a PET scan. Once it is confirmed that an adequate concentration of boron can be accumulated in the cancerous area, the patient is administered a dose of boron compound and exposed to epithermal neutrons sourced from either a nuclear reactor or an accelerator. Subsequently, within the body, the epithermal neutrons undergo thermalization, leading to the reaction of boron with the cancer cells, resulting in highly selective destruction of the cancerous tissue.
Advantages:
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) demonstrates efficacy against highly challenging invasive cancers, particularly those that spread rapidly and infiltrate nerve cells that are unresponsive to standard radiation therapy.
- The destruction of cancer cells occurs selectively through the reaction of a neutron and boron.
- BNCT utilizes low-energy thermal neutrons, minimizing damage to healthy cells.
- It is effective against invasive and rapidly spreading cancers.
- Treatment duration is short, typically involving 1-2 irradiation sessions lasting 30-60 minutes each.
- Since surgery is unnecessary, BNCT contributes to a patient's quality of life.
- BNCT avoids the use of anti-cancer drugs, thereby minimizing the occurrence of side effects.
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