boronneutroninfångningsterapi

Boron neutron capture therapy, often abbreviated as BNCT, is a targeted radiation therapy used for treating certain types of cancer. It is a two-step process that selectively damages cancer cells while largely sparing healthy tissues. The first step involves administering a boron-containing compound to the patient. This compound is designed to be preferentially taken up by tumor cells compared to normal cells. In the second step, the tumor area is irradiated with low-energy neutrons. When a neutron is captured by a boron atom, it undergoes a nuclear fission reaction, producing high-energy alpha particles and lithium nuclei. These particles have a very short range, typically the diameter of a single cell, and deposit their energy within the tumor cell that contains the boron. This localized energy deposition leads to irreversible damage and cell death specifically within the cancerous tissue. BNCT is particularly promising for treating brain tumors like glioblastoma multiforme and head and neck cancers, where conventional therapies can be challenging due to the sensitivity of surrounding healthy tissues. Research is ongoing to expand its application to other cancer types and to improve the efficacy and delivery of boron-containing agents.