Boron Neutron Capture Therapy as a tumoricidal modality features selective destruction of tumor cells.
It is based on a nuclear reaction which occurs when 10B, accumulated in a cancer cell, is irradiated with
thermal neutrons with appropriately selected energy. This therapy is a promising method which allows
treatment of tumors that are difficult to operate due to their location, spatial distribution or resistance
to traditional methods of therapy. It gives the chance to cure gliomas, head & neck cancer, and above
all brain tumors. The success of this therapy depend mainly on improvements in the boron delivery
agents, including their pharmacology and intracellular targeting as well as an accurate measurement
of the deposited radiation dose. Paralleled by advances in radiobiology, chemistry and dosimetry
it is possible to improve the therapy to meet clinical requirements, which gives the opportunity to
development and implementation in medical practice. The article presents an outline of current review
of BNCT. Several important aspects such as the physical, chemical basics and related challenges are
discussed. Moreover, a brief review of the neutron sources used at BNCT clinics and R&D centers is
provided.
