BORON NEUTRON CAPTURE THERAPY OF GLIAL TUMORS
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is the selective destruction of malignant tumor cells by accumulating in them a stable boron-10 isotope and subsequent irradiation with epithermal neutrons. The review presents modern data of world experience in the use of BNCT in relation to glial brain tumors. A number of scientific studies of world BNCT centers were selected, patient management protocols are described, and a set of data on survival is reflected. Most studies have shown the clinical efficacy of BNCT in relation to glial tumors of a high degree of gradation, both as an independent method of therapy and in combination with remote radiation therapy and chemotherapy. A number of studies have also shown an increase in life expectancy and survival in patients who received BNCT, compared with patients who received traditional therapies. The main problems of BNCT associated with the use of nuclear reactors as sources of neutrons and the possibility of using more promising accelerators are reflected. The issues of the need to create new boron-containing compounds with the properties of selective accumulation in the tumor and the possibility of overcoming the blood-brain barrier to improve the clinical effectiveness of the method in the treatment of brain tumors are considered.