Current Trends and Progress in the Physics of BNCT

Abstract

The first Phase I human trials of epithermal-neutron BNCT for high-grade primary brain tumors (Glioblastoma Multiforme) were initiated at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1994. Phase I studies of epithermal-neutron BNCT for melanoma were also initiated at MIT in 1994. All of these trials feature the use of boronated phenylalanine (BPA) as the boronated pharmaceutical. More recently, Phase I clinical trials of epithermal-neutron BNCT for glioblastoma, using BSH, were initiated in a collaborative European program centered at the Petten research reactor facility in the Netherlands. Initiation of additional epithermal-neutron trials at a few other facilities worldwide is anticipated in the near future. Applications of fast-neutron therapy with BNCT augmentation are also under investigation at the University of Washington and at a few other fast-neutron facilities worldwide.