Advances in neutron capture therapy

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Binary systems for cancer treatment are promising new therapeutic modalities that aim to selectively destroy malignant cells while sparing normal tissue. Neutron capture therapy (NCT) is a key focus of this approach and was discussed at the Fifth International Symposium on Neutron Capture Therapy, held from September 13-17, 1992, in Columbus, Ohio, organized by the International Society for Neutron Capture Therapy. The symposium brought together global researchers to share the latest advancements in NCT. This therapy primarily utilizes boron-10 as the target nuclide. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) relies on the nuclear reaction where boron-10 absorbs low-energy thermal neutrons, resulting in the emission of alpha particles and recoiling lithium-7 nuclei. The high linear energy transfer (LET) of these particles confines their effects to the cells where the capture reaction occurs. For BNCT to be effective, a sufficient quantity of boron-10 must be localized within cancerous cells, and an adequate supply of thermal neutrons must be delivered to produce the lethal reaction. However, two significant challenges must be addressed for successful implementation.