A NEW study has demonstrated the potential of boron neutron capture reactions to enhance the cell-killing effects of proton beam therapy (PBT), opening doors for improved cancer treatments. The process, known as neutron, capture enhanced proton beam therapy (NCEPBT), uses thermal neutrons generated during proton irradiation to trigger reactions with boron, which can increase the therapeutic effects of the treatment.
The study explored the biological effectiveness of NCEPBT across several cancer cell lines, including human salivary gland tumour cells, osteosarcoma, tongue squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Researchers used Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate that thermal neutrons generated by proton irradiation were uniformly distributed across the tissue culture plates, providing a consistent and effective treatment environment. Cells were irradiated with X-rays, proton beams, and proton beams combined with boron-enriched boronophenylalanine (BPA) at two concentrations: 20 and 80 ppm.
The results showed a significant increase in the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of proton therapy when combined with boron. For example, in human salivary gland tumour cells, the RBE increased from 1.02 with proton beams alone to 1.23 with 80 ppm boron. Similarly, other cell lines showed enhanced sensitivity to proton therapy when combined with boron, with the highest RBE values observed at the 80 ppm concentration.
These findings suggest that NCEPBT, particularly at higher boron concentrations, significantly enhances cell killing, supporting its potential clinical use. The results warrant further investigation into the therapy’s role in cancer treatment.
Reference
Shiba S et al. Increased cell killing effect in neutron capture enhanced proton beam therapy. Scientific Reports. 2024;14:28484.
