Tumor-Specific Radiation

A new radiation therapy technology has been developed that is able to destroy tumor cells without damaging the surrounding tissue. Known as boron neutron capture therapy, it uses a particle accelerator to create neutrons rather than a nuclear reactor. Patients are injected with a boron-tagged chemical compound, which selectively concentrates in tumor cells. When irradiated, the boron reacts strongly with the neutrons to destroy only the cancer cells.

Using this technique, it will be possible to deliver two to three times the radiation typically administered over six weeks in a single hour of radiation therapy. Initial tests on brain tumors have resulted in tumor shrinkage of up to 70 percent. Clinical trials on patients suffering a relapse of glioblastoma are scheduled to begin in the near future.