Annual Report 2023
Division of Research and Development for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Hiroshi Igaki, Tairo Kashihara, Kimiteru Ito, Yoshitaka Narita, Seiichi Yoshimoto, Naoya Yamazaki, Satoshi Nakamura, Tetsu Nakaichi, Masamichi Ishiai, Akihiro Yanagihara, Kana Endo, Mitsuko Masutani, Shoji Imamichi, Hiroaki Kurihara, Mihiro Takemori.
Introduction
A linear accelerator-based neutron irradiation system for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) was developed using a solid lithium target, the first such system in the world, and installed in the National Cancer Center Hospital. A phase II clinical trial of BNCT for angiosarcoma is ongoing to obtain regulatory approval as a neutron irradiation system. Patient enrollment is steadily progressing. In cooperation with the Japanese Society of Neutron Capture Therapy, activities are underway to establish guidelines for evaluation methods of neutron beam characteristics in medical devices.
The Team and What We Do
We are working to expand the clinical indications of BNCT, and to develop guidelines and international standards for the accelerator-based BNCT systems as medical devices in cooperation with the Japanese Society of Neutron Capture Therapy.
Research Activities
A clinical trial of BNCT and related physical and biological experiments are being intensively conducted. To select the optimal patients for BNCT, we are engaged in basic and clinical studies of [18F]FBPA PET and amino-acid transporter LAT1.
Clinical Trials
An ongoing phase II clinical trial of accelerator-based BNCT for angiosarcoma was started in 2022. Patient enrollment is progressing well.
Education
We are continually developing human resources for BNCT research.
Future Prospects
With the hospital-based neutron irradiation system for BNCT, patient recruitment for BNCT clinical trials has been facilitated, compared with the previous environment of the reactor-based BNCT era. The role of BNCT in oncology will be established and the indications of BNCT will be expanded soon.