Neutron capture therapy is a type of cancer treatment that involves targeting tumor cells with neutron radiation. The spelling of this term can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Neutron" is spelled /ˈnjuːtrɒn/, with the "eu" pronounced like the "u" in "cup" and the final "on" pronounced like the word "awn." "Capture" is spelled /ˈkæptʃər/, with the "a" pronounced like the "a" in "cat" and the final "ure" pronounced like the word "your." "Therapy" is spelled /ˈθerəpi/, with the "er" pronounced like the "ur" in "hurt."
Neutron Capture Therapy is a medical treatment technique that utilizes the interaction between neutrons and targeted cells to selectively destroy cancerous tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This therapy is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, such as brain tumors, where conventional treatments like surgery or radiation may be difficult or less effective.
The process involves the administration of a drug, known as a boron compound, into the patient's bloodstream. The compound selectively accumulates in cancer cells due to their faster metabolic rate. After the drug has been sufficiently absorbed by the tumor cells, the patient is exposed to a beam of neutrons.
These neutrons readily interact with the boron nuclei in the targeted cells, causing them to undergo a nuclear reaction known as neutron capture. This reaction results in the release of high-energy particles that cause severe damage to the cancer cells, ultimately leading to their destruction. The amount of damage inflicted on healthy cells surrounding the tumor is comparatively minimal due to the selective uptake of the boron compound.
Neutron Capture Therapy has several advantages over conventional treatments. It offers several benefits such as superior tumor control, reduced side effects, minimal damage to healthy tissue, and the potential to treat tumors that are resistant to other therapies. Despite its potential, this therapy is still at an experimental stage in many regions and is not widely available. Further research and clinical trials are necessary to optimize its effectiveness and establish its broader applicability in treating various types of cancer.