Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.0
4.5
Journals
Cancers
Special Issues
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Challenges, Past, Present and Future
share announcement

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Challenges, Past, Present and Future

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Therapy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 July 2023) | Viewed by 19866

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Rolf F. Barth

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Interests: boron neutron capture therapy; gliomas; malignant brain tumors; anatomic pathology
Prof. Dr. Nilendu Gupta

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Medical Physics, Department of Radiation Oncology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Interests: radiotherapy; radiosurgery; 3D treatment planning; conformal radiation therapy; intensity-modulated radiation therapy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Cancers will focus on critical issues that must be addressed to make boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) a more effective therapeutic modality and bring it into the mainstream of radiation oncology. These include the following:

  1. The selection of new boron delivery agents with superior tumor localizing properties compared to that of boronophenylalanine (BPA);
  2. The development of methods to determine tumor boron concentrations in cancer and normal tissues clinically in real time;
  3. The development of more precise and streamlined methods to determine tumor and normal tissue radiation doses in real time;
  4. The development of more versatile accelerator neutron sources that would be used both for patient treatment and for pre-clinical evaluation of new boron delivery agents;
  5. The identification of the most appropriate types of cancers that would be the best candidates to treat by means of BNCT.

In summary, what would be required to convince a broad audience of radiation oncologists that BNCT is a useful therapeutic modality would be incontrovertible evidence of its superiority over other therapeutic modalities to treat one or more malignancies that currently are unresponsive to current types of radiation therapy.

Prof. Dr. Rolf F. Barth
Prof. Dr. Nilendu Gupta
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT)
  • radiation oncology
  • boron delivery agents
  • tumor boron concentrations
  • radiation doses
  • accelerator neutron sources
  • appropriate types of cancers

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 1494 KiB  
Article
Perceptions of Canadian Radiation Oncologists, Medical Physicists, and Radiation Trainees about the Feasibility and Need of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) in Canada: A National Survey
by Al-Retage Al-Bader, John Agapito and Ming Pan
Cancers 2023, 15(14), 3626; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15143626 - 14 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1144
Abstract
Background: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is an emerging radiotherapy. There are ongoing efforts to develop a Canadian accelerator-based BNCT center. However, it remains unclear how Canadian radiation oncologists (RO), medical physicists (MP), and their trainees perceive BNCT and its impact on radiation [...] Read more.
Background: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is an emerging radiotherapy. There are ongoing efforts to develop a Canadian accelerator-based BNCT center. However, it remains unclear how Canadian radiation oncologists (RO), medical physicists (MP), and their trainees perceive BNCT and its impact on radiation oncology as a discipline. Methods: A survey was created to explore the knowledge of BNCT, its clinical role, and the support for Canadian research. It was distributed through the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology (CARO) and the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP). Results: We received 118 valid responses from all 10 provinces, from 70 RO (59.3%) and 48 MP (40.7%), including 9 residents. Most knew of BNCT and its indications (60.2%). Although many were unaware of the reasons behind early failures (44.1%), common reasons were a lack of clinical trials and an inaccessibility of neutron sources (42.4%) as well as reactor unsuitability (34.7%). Additionally, 90.6% showed definite (66.9%) or possible (23.7%) support for Canadian BNCT research, while 89% indicated a definite (56.8%) or possible (32.2%) willingness for BNCT referrals. Conclusions: Most ROs and MPs supported Canadian BNCT research and would refer patients. However, limited awareness and a lack of experiences remain a challenge. Educational sessions are needed to realize this innovative cancer treatment in Canada. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Challenges, Past, Present and Future)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1558 KiB  
Article
Study of Alternative Imaging Methods for In Vivo Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
by Dayron Ramos López, Gabriella Maria Incoronata Pugliese, Giuseppe Iaselli, Nicola Amoroso, Chunhui Gong, Valeria Pascali, Saverio Altieri and Nicoletta Protti
Cancers 2023, 15(14), 3582; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15143582 - 12 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1514
Abstract
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is an innovative and highly selective treatment against cancer. Nowadays, in vivo boron dosimetry is an important method to carry out such therapy in clinical environments. In this work, different imaging methods were tested for dosimetry and tumor [...] Read more.
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is an innovative and highly selective treatment against cancer. Nowadays, in vivo boron dosimetry is an important method to carry out such therapy in clinical environments. In this work, different imaging methods were tested for dosimetry and tumor monitoring in BNCT based on a Compton camera detector. A dedicated dataset was generated through Monte Carlo tools to study the imaging capabilities. We first applied the Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization (MLEM) iterative method to study dosimetry tomography. As well, two methods based on morphological filtering and deep learning techniques with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), respectively, were studied for tumor monitoring. Furthermore, clinical aspects such as the dependence on the boron concentration ratio in image reconstruction and the stretching effect along the detector position axis were analyzed. A simulated spherical gamma source was studied in several conditions (different detector distances and boron concentration ratios) using MLEM. This approach proved the possibility of monitoring the boron dose. Tumor monitoring using the CNN method shows promising results that could be enhanced by increasing the training dataset. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Challenges, Past, Present and Future)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1866 KiB  
Article
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Followed by Image-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Locally Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer: A Prospective Phase I/II Trial
by Ling-Wei Wang, Yen-Wan Hsueh Liu, Pen-Yuan Chu, Hong-Ming Liu, Jinn-Jer Peir, Ko-Han Lin, Wen-Sheng Huang, Wen-Liang Lo, Jia-Cheng Lee, Tzung-Yi Lin, Yu-Ming Liu and Sang-Hue Yen
Cancers 2023, 15(10), 2762; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15102762 - 15 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2681
Abstract
Background: This trial investigated the efficacy and safety of salvage boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) combined with image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) for recurrent head and neck cancer after prior radiotherapy (RT). Methods: BNCT was administered using an intravenous boronophenylalanine–fructose complex (500 mg/kg) in [...] Read more.
Background: This trial investigated the efficacy and safety of salvage boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) combined with image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) for recurrent head and neck cancer after prior radiotherapy (RT). Methods: BNCT was administered using an intravenous boronophenylalanine–fructose complex (500 mg/kg) in a single fraction; multifractionated IG-IMRT was administered 28 days after BNCT. For BNCT, the mucosa served as the dose-limiting organ. For IG-IMRT, the clinical target volume (CTV) and the planning target volume (PTV) were generated according to the post-BNCT gross tumor volume (GTV) with chosen margins. Results: This trial enrolled 14 patients, and 12 patients received combined treatment. The median BNCT average dose for the GTV was 21.6 Gy-Eq, and the median IG-IMRT dose for the PTV was 46.8 Gy/26 fractions. After a median (range) follow-up period of 11.8 (3.6 to 53.2) months, five patients had a complete response and four had a partial response. One patient had grade 4 laryngeal edema; another patient had a grade 4 hemorrhage. Most tumor progression occurred within or adjacent to the CTV. The 1-year overall survival and local progression-free survival rates were 56% and 21%, respectively. Conclusion: Despite the high response rate (64%) of this trial, there was a high incidence of in-field and marginal failure with this approach. Future studies combining BNCT with modalities other than radiation may be tried. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Challenges, Past, Present and Future)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 1109 KiB  
Review
Optimizing Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) to Treat Cancer: An Updated Review on the Latest Developments on Boron Compounds and Strategies
by Andrea Monti Hughes and Naonori Hu
Cancers 2023, 15(16), 4091; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15164091 - 14 Aug 2023
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6831
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a tumor-selective particle radiotherapy. It combines preferential boron accumulation in tumors and neutron irradiation. The recent initiation of BNCT clinical trials employing hospital-based accelerators rather than nuclear reactors as the neutron source will conceivably pave the way [...] Read more.
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a tumor-selective particle radiotherapy. It combines preferential boron accumulation in tumors and neutron irradiation. The recent initiation of BNCT clinical trials employing hospital-based accelerators rather than nuclear reactors as the neutron source will conceivably pave the way for new and more numerous clinical trials, leading up to much-needed randomized trials. In this context, it would be interesting to consider the implementation of new boron compounds and strategies that will significantly optimize BNCT. With this aim in mind, we analyzed, in this review, those articles published between 2020 and 2023 reporting new boron compounds and strategies that were proved therapeutically useful in in vitro and/or in vivo radiobiological studies, a critical step for translation to a clinical setting. We also explored new pathologies that could potentially be treated with BNCT and newly developed theranostic boron agents. All these radiobiological advances intend to solve those limitations and questions that arise during patient treatment in the clinical field, with BNCT and other therapies. In this sense, active communication between clinicians, radiobiologists, and all disciplines will improve BNCT for cancer patients, in a cost- and time-effective way. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Challenges, Past, Present and Future)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1453 KiB  
Review
A Review of Planned, Ongoing Clinical Studies and Recent Development of BNCT in Mainland of China
by Zizhu Zhang, Yizheng Chong, Yuanhao Liu, Jianji Pan, Cheng Huang, Qi Sun, Zhibo Liu, Xiayang Zhu, Yujun Shao, Congjun Jin and Tong Liu
Cancers 2023, 15(16), 4060; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15164060 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3383
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a promising cancer treatment modality that combines targeted boron agents and neutron irradiation to selectively destroy tumor cells. In mainland China, the clinical implementation of BNCT has made certain progress, primarily driven by the development of compact [...] Read more.
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a promising cancer treatment modality that combines targeted boron agents and neutron irradiation to selectively destroy tumor cells. In mainland China, the clinical implementation of BNCT has made certain progress, primarily driven by the development of compact neutron source devices. The availability, ease of operation, and cost-effectiveness offered by these compact neutron sources make BNCT more accessible to cancer treatment centers. Two compact neutron sources, one being miniature reactor-based (IHNI-1) and the other one being accelerator-based (NeuPex), have entered the clinical research phase and are planned for medical device registration. Moreover, several accelerator-based neutron source devices employing different technical routes are currently under construction, further expanding the options for BNCT implementation. In addition, the development of compact neutron sources serves as an experimental platform for advancing the development of new boron agents. Several research teams are actively involved in the development of boron agents. Various types of third-generation boron agents have been tested and studied in vitro and in vivo. Compared to other radiotherapy therapies, BNCT in mainland China still faces specific challenges due to its limited clinical trial data and its technical support in a wide range of professional fields. To facilitate the widespread adoption of BNCT, it is crucial to establish relevant technical standards for neutron devices, boron agents, and treatment protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Challenges, Past, Present and Future)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2343 KiB  
Review
Multi-Functional Boron-Delivery Agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy of Cancers
by Sebastian O. Oloo, Kevin M. Smith and Maria da Graça H. Vicente
Cancers 2023, 15(13), 3277; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15133277 - 21 Jun 2023
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3216
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary cancer treatment that involves the irradiation of 10B-containing tumors with low-energy neutrons (thermal or epithermal). The alpha particles and recoiling Li nuclei that are produced in the 10B-capture nuclear reaction are high-linear-energy transfer [...] Read more.
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary cancer treatment that involves the irradiation of 10B-containing tumors with low-energy neutrons (thermal or epithermal). The alpha particles and recoiling Li nuclei that are produced in the 10B-capture nuclear reaction are high-linear-energy transfer particles that destroy boron-loaded tumor cells; therefore, BNCT has the potential to be a localized therapeutic modality. Two boron-delivery agents have been used in clinical trials of BNCT in patients with malignant brain tumors, cutaneous melanoma, or recurrent tumors of the head and neck region, demonstrating the potential of BNCT in the treatment of difficult cancers. A variety of potentially highly effective boron-delivery agents have been synthesized in the past four decades and tested in cells and animal models. These include boron-containing nucleosides, peptides, proteins, polyamines, porphyrins, liposomes, monoclonal antibodies, and nanoparticles of various types. The most promising agents are multi-functional boronated molecules and nanoparticles functionalized with tumor cell-targeting moieties that increase their tumor selectivity and contain a radiolabel or fluorophore to allow quantification of 10B-biodistribution and treatment planning. This review discusses multi-functional boron agents reported in the last decade, but their full potential can only be ascertained after their evaluation in BNCT clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Challenges, Past, Present and Future)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop