Radiation Risks from p-Boronophenylalanine-Mediated BNCT for Glioblastoma Multiforme

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary treatment modality that requires selective delivery of a 10B-labeled compound to a tumor and slow neutron irradiation of the tumor-bearing tissues. The capture of thermalized neutrons by 10B releases high linear-energy-transfer (LET) alpha (α) and 7Li particles via the 10B(n,α)7Li reaction. These particles can kill or render non-clonogenic 10B-rich tumor cells while sparing boron-poor tissues. A phase I/II clinical trial of p-boronophenylalanine (≥95% 10B enriched)-mediated BNCT for GBM is being conducted using the Brookhaven Medical Research Reactor’s clinical epithermal neutron irradiation facility.