Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Agents and Neutron Source Engineering
This research community develops boron-containing compounds for targeted cancer treatment via neutron capture therapy and engineers the neutron sources and beam systems required to deliver that treatment.
The work centers on the synthesis of boron delivery agents, specifically boron clusters, carboranes, and boronic acid derivatives, designed to concentrate boron in tumor cells. A significant portion of the research involves Monte Carlo simulations and the design of compact neutron generators, accelerator-based systems, and research reactor beams to optimize neutron flux and dose distribution. The community also investigates the biological targeting of these agents, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and boronophenylalanine derivatives, to ensure selective accumulation in cancerous tissue.
Boron research accounts for the largest share of this community's output, representing 3.2% of all tracked boron research, with 4,531 papers. The community publishes primarily in Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Radiation Protection Dosimetry, and Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.
Recent work focuses on the development of state-of-the-art boron clusters for therapy, the evaluation of boron delivery agents in preclinical models, and the synthesis of novel carborane-based bioisosteres for anticancer applications.