Since 1930s, shortly after the neutron discovered, some scientists recognized the potential of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) as a method of cancer treatment therapies. But although it has been undergoing research for a decade, the problem of finding a delivery agent that would more effectively target the tumor without harming surrounding tissue persisted. Finally the University of Missouri (MU) researcher team may have found the solution.
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| M. Frederick Hawthorne’s team developed a new form of radiation therapy that successfully put cancer into remission in mice.. (Picture from: http://www.natureworldnews.com/) |
The team played on the well-understood concept that cancer cells grow faster than regular cells and by doing so absorb more material than normal cells. Hawthorn's team exploited the natural tendency of a certain type of boron to break apart when it captures a neuron, releasing energy, lithium and helium. The process works similar to a Trojan horse: the cancer cells happily absorb the boron chemical and continue to grow. But after being exposed to neutrons the boron atoms shattered, releasing helium and lithium atoms that tear apart the cancer cells and but spare nearby healthy cells. Hawthorne and his team tested this new form of radiation therapy on mice, which resulted in successful remission of cancer.
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| Boron neutron capture therapy can kill tumors without harming healthy neighboring tissue. (PIcture from: http://www.gizmag.com/) |
"A wide variety of cancers can be attacked with our BNCT technique," Hawthorne said. "The technique worked excellently in mice. We are ready to move on to trials in larger animals, then people. However, before we can start treating humans, we will need to build suitable equipment and facilities. When it is built, MU will have the first radiation therapy of this kind in the world."
The team’s study, entitled "Boron neutron capture therapy demonstrated in mice bearing EMT 6 tumors following selective delivery of boron by rationally designed liposomes," was recently published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MU NEWS BUREAU | GIZMAG | NATURE WORLD NEWS]
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