boron neutron capture therapy for glioblastoma: The delivery dilemma

Abstract

This review delves into boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), a targeted alpha-particle radiotherapy that holds promise in oncology and has the potential to address concerns of efficacy and safety associated to conventional cancer therapies. Information was gathered from literature searches that used the keywords “boron neutron capture therapy,” “clinical application,” “nanotechnology,” and “liposome” so as to analyze the clinical applications of BNCT in cancer over time. The methodology includes a thorough literature review, analysis of preclinical studies, and clinical trials to assess the viability of BNCT in treating glioblastoma (GB), as an example of a hard-to-treat cancer type.

Firstly, the fundamental principles of BNCT are outlined, followed by an extensive exploration of the respective application in oncology, particularly emphasizing its synergy with nanotechnology advancements. A key focus is placed on evaluating whether third-generation nanoparticles show superior efficacy compared to conventional boron-delivering systems used in BNCT. Additionally, attention is drawn to the critical analysis of safety concerns surrounding nanotechnology, which are crucial for clinical translation. Noteworthy is the clinical application of liposomes (LPs) in GB, highlighting their potential and limitations in clinical settings.

Overall, the collected evidence sheds light on the high potential of BNCT in the research and development of new treatment (and diagnosis) modalities for GB and other cancer types.