Boron Neutron Capture Therapy - Employment of drug delivery systems for increased antitumor effectiveness

The selective accumulation of 10B-containing compounds in tumors and susequent radiation with low-energy (thermal) neutrons forms the basis of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Thermal neutron capture in the stable isotop 10B yields alpha patricles and lithium nuclei, a radiation with short range high linear energy transfer (LET). Therefore, successful implementation of this promising modality strongly depends on the availability of tumor seeking substances or drug delivery systems. In the proposed research project two drug delivery systems were selected to increase antitumor effectiveness of BNCT: the production of monoclonal antibodies specific for tumor cells and electroporation. Both, electroporation and development of specific conjugates with monoclonal antibodies are proposed for further development of antitumor effectiveness of BNCT.