Boron neutron capture therapy: History and recent advances

Abstract

In this article, we looked at ‘Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT)’, a possible cancer treatment plan in which boron chemicals are selectively concentrated in tumor cells before being exposed to ‘epithermal neutron beam radiations. The idea is different from previous neutron-based therapies in that, it allows for more precise tumor removal and has been tried on a range of malignancies, including deep-seated and skin cancers. Neutrino-controlled catalysis has been chastised for its lack of clinical trials, poor outcomes, and the fact, that it requires radiation that can be produced in nuclear research reactors. In 1950, BNCT was first used on patients at the ‘Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’ and it was later banned in the United States in 1961.Simple inorganic compounds of boron were used in three series of therapies on forty patients (up to 1961), with different degrees of success and failure. BNCT is a spectacular assemblage of nuclear technology, chemistry, biology, and medicine in the fight against cancer. Three concepts for a BNCT accelerator-based neutron source were presented in 1998. The 7Li, 7Be reaction was chosen as the third choice, despite its poor melting point and thermal conductivity. A plan has been established for the future, but putting it into effect will be difficult. BNCT is most effective when combined with other therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, and external beam radiation therapy. Physicians and scientists must collaborate to find a way out of the current stalemate.