BNCT is a commonly used acronym that stands for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. The correct pronunciation of this word is /bɔrɑn ˈnjuːtriːɑn ˈkæptʃər ˈθɛrəpi/. The spelling of BNCT is based on the initial letters of each word in the phrase. This therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses the capture of neutrons by boron-10 atoms to destroy cancer cells. BNCT is an innovative therapy that has been used to treat various types of cancer with typically low side effects.
BNCT stands for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. It is a radiation treatment used in cancer therapy that specifically targets cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. BNCT involves the use of two key components: a boron-based drug and a neutron beam.
The boron-based drug is administered to the patient, either orally or injected, and it selectively accumulates in cancer cells. This drug contains boron-10, which has a high propensity to capture neutrons. Once the drug has accumulated in the cancerous cells, a neutron beam is directed towards the tumor site. Neutrons from the beam interact with the boron-10 atoms, resulting in a nuclear reaction. This reaction releases a high-energy alpha particle and a lithium ion, which causes the destruction of the cancer cells, while leaving surrounding healthy tissues unharmed.
BNCT offers several advantages over conventional cancer treatments. The therapy's ability to specifically target cancer cells allows for higher doses of radiation to be delivered directly to the tumor site, increasing the effectiveness of treatment. As healthy tissues are spared, BNCT reduces the risk of adverse side effects commonly associated with radiation therapy. It is particularly useful in the treatment of brain tumors, head and neck cancers, and certain types of melanoma.
While BNCT holds great promise as an effective cancer treatment, it is still considered an experimental therapy and is not widely available. Ongoing research and development aim to further refine this technique and expand its application in cancer treatment.