Contemporary State of Neutron Capture
Therapy Worldwide (Part 1)
Dbalý V.1,8, Tovaryš F.1, Honová H.2, Petruželka L.2, Prokeš K.2, Burian J.3, Marek M.3, Honzátko J.4, Tomandl I.4, Kříž O.5, Janků I.6, Mareš V.7
1Neurochirurgické oddělení Nemocnice Na Homolce Praha 2Onkologická klinika FN II, Praha 3Ústav jaderného výzkumu, Řež 4Ústav jaderné fyziky AVČR 5Katchem s.r.o. 6Farmakologický ústav AVČR 7Fyziologický ústav AVČR 8Neurochirurgická klinika 1. LF UK, Praha |
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Summary:
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a binary treatment modality based on the nuclear reaction
after irradiation of the boron localized preferably within the neoplastic cells by low-energy (thermal)
neutrons. The interaction of 10B and the neutron leads to splitting of the 10B nucleus, releasing an alpha
particle and lithium nucleus. Both the alpha particles (4He) and lithium nucleus have path lenghts for
energy transfer of less than 10 µm giving thus rise in approximately one cell diameter to closely spaced
ionizing events, eventually leading to cell death. The increasing interest in the method worldwide
dating back to 1950‘s and 1960‘s in the USA and Japan could be attributed to unsatisfactory results in
the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme with the plethora of modalities whereas the theoretical
principles of BNCT, which is rather a biologically than physically targeted modality, seem to be
promising in affecting the tumour cells providing their sufficient 10B concentration and delivered
neutrons. This paper aims at reviewing the historical background of the method, its principles and
contemporary clinical situation in the world.
Key words:
boron neutron capture therapy, boron compound, thermal neutrons, nuclear reaction,
history and contemporary situation
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