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Glioblastoma: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

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Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 2

Part of the book series: Tumors of the Central Nervous System ((TCNS,volume 2))

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Abstract

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a unique method that can deliver tumor-cell-selective high-linear energy transfer (LET) particle radiotherapy to an extended target area encompassing a microscopic invasion while avoiding radiation damage to the surrounding normal brain tissue. The process of BNCT is based on the nuclear interaction of 10B with thermal neutrons with the release of high LET α and 7Li particles through the boron neutron capture reaction, 10B(n, α) 7Li. The very short path length (<9 μm) of α-particles and 7Li enables high-LET irradiation of tumor cells without undesirable damage to 10B-unloaded normal cells. Eight non-randomized prospective external beam BNCT trials for glioblastoma (GBM) have been performed over 15 years using the two currently available boron drugs and a neutron beam at a nuclear reactor. Four of the 8 studies suggested that the external beam BNCT may improve survival in newly diagnosed GBM. In addition, 4 of the 8 studies were primary phase I trials that demonstrated only modest toxicity. The median time to progression and the median survival time (MST) were 6–12 months and 12–27 months, respectively. The optimization of dosage and boron delivery agents, the combined use of different boron agents, the combination of BNCT with other therapeutic modalities and the development of a hospital-based neutron source have been studied for the improvement of BNCT. The need for more evidence-based data, either through randomized trials or using a prospective case control methodology, is clear from a review of the clinical reports.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for Society Collaboration from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Japan (20390379). We thank Professor Akira Matsumura, Dr. Tadashi Nariai and Dr. Alexander Zaboronok for their kind support in the manuscript preparation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan

    Tetsuya Yamamoto

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan

    Kei Nakai

  3. Proton Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan

    Hiroaki Kumada

Authors
  1. Tetsuya Yamamoto
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  2. Kei Nakai
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  3. Hiroaki Kumada
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Correspondence to Tetsuya Yamamoto .

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  1. , Kean University, Room 213, Library building, Morris Avenue 1000, Union, 07083, New Jersey, USA

    M.A. Hayat

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Yamamoto, T., Nakai, K., Kumada, H. (2011). Glioblastoma: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. In: Hayat, M. (eds) Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 2. Tumors of the Central Nervous System, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0618-7_24

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0618-7_24

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