The phrase "Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT)" designates an experimental approach to cancer treatment which is based on a dual step technique utilizing two linked treatment components. First, a boron-containing compound is intravenously injected into the test animal or patient. This boron containing compound accumulates at higher concentrations in the tumor than in nearby normal tissues. Next a beam of low-energy neutrons is directed at the boron-containing tumor. The boron atoms capture the neutrons and split into two highly charged particles (alpha particle and lithium ion) that have very short path lengths approximating one cell diameter. These charged particles release sufficient energy locally to kill any tumor cells containing high concentrations of boron without appreciably harming cells that contain low concentrations of boron (selective cell surgery by radiation targeting). The success of this approach to tumor treatment is heavily dependent on the availability of boron containing molecules that are non-toxic and that show high selective in-vivo localization in the tumor to be treated. Boron compounds currently available for human studies have only moderate selectivity for tumor cells.
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DE: Borneutroneneinfangtherapie [T70631]
FI: boorineutronisieppausterapia [T70631]
FR: thérapie par capture de neutrons par le bore [T70631]; boroneutrothérapie - technique de traitement contre le cancer dans laquelle on introduit un isotope non radioactif du bore dans les cellules visées, qui sont ensuite bombardées ? l'aide d'un faisceau ? neutrons. [GDT]
The JRC’s nuclear and isotopic facilities and competencies in the production and use of radioactive stable isotopes will also be used for medical purposes as in new types of cancer therapies (a-immunotherapy, Boron Neutron Capture Therapy) as well as in clinical reference materials.
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