EORTC trial 11001: distribution of two 10B-compounds in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck, a translational research/phase 1 trial.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) provides highly targeted delivery of radiation through the limited spatial distribution of its effects. This translational research/phase I clinical trial investigates whether BNCT might be developed as a treatment option for squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) relying upon preferential uptake of the two compounds, sodium mercaptoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate (BSH) or L-para-boronophenylalanine (BPA) in the tumour. Before planned tumour resection, three patients received BSH and three patients received BPA.

Laser postionization secondary neutral mass spectrometry in tissue: a powerful tool for elemental and molecular imaging in the development of targeted drugs.

The exact intracellular localization and distribution of molecules and elements becomes increasingly important for the development of targeted therapies and contrast agents. We show that laser postionization secondary neutral mass spectrometry (laser-SNMS) is well suited to localize particular elements and small molecules with subcellular spatial resolution applying the technique exemplary to Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). We showed in a murine sarcoma that the drugs used for clinical BNCT, namely l-para-boronophenylalanine (700 mg/kg body weight i.

Neutron activation of patients following boron neutron capture therapy of brain tumors at the high flux reactor (HFR) Petten (EORTC Trials 11961 and 11011).

Background And Purpose: At the High Flux Reactor (HFR), Petten, The Netherlands, EORTC clinical trials of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) have been in progress since 1997. BNCT involves the irradiation of cancer patients by a beam of neutrons, with an energy range of predominantly 1 eV to 10 keV. The patient is infused with a tumor-seeking, (10)B-loaded compound prior to irradiation.