boronophenylalanine + sodium borocaptate

Boronophenylalanine (BPA) and sodium borocaptate (BSH) are two boron-containing compounds used in combination for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), a targeted radiotherapy for cancer treatment. BNCT works by delivering the stable isotope boron-10 to tumor cells; upon neutron irradiation, the isotope undergoes nuclear fission producing high-energy alpha particles that selectively kill tumor cells. BPA is an amino acid derivative that preferentially accumulates in tumor cells due to their increased amino acid uptake. BSH distributes more homogeneously within tumors. The combination of BPA and BSH improves the homogeneity of boron distribution in tumors and enhances cell killing effects compared to either agent alone. This combination has been investigated primarily for brain tumors and head and neck cancers with promising results in preclinical models and clinical studies. The drugs are administered via intragastric or intravenous routes before neutron irradiation.

Other names

para-boronophenylalanineborocaptate sodium