The first accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (AB-BNCT) procedures have been performed in China by the Neuboron Medical Group at Xiamen Humanity Hospital (XHH). This marks a significant milestone as it represents the first time human patients have been treated with AB-BNCT technology outside of Japan.
Trial Details and Results
A total of 14 irradiations have been carried out on 12 patients during an investigator-initiated trial (IIT) evaluating the safety and efficacy of AB-BNCT in treating advanced refractory malignant tumors. The 12 patients participating in the trial suffered from recurrent head and neck, glioma, and melanoma cancers and had exhausted all traditional cancer therapies. After a 3-month follow-up, the first 4 patients showed satisfactory safety and superior tumor control performance, while all participants showed tumor regression and remain under observation. The trial data to date demonstrates both the safety and strong early signs of clinical efficacy, according to Neuboron.
AB-BNCT Technology
AB-BNCT is a targeted radiation oncology therapy that involves the use of boron delivery agents to enrich tumor cells with boron. Following this, a neutron beam is fired into the tumor cells to trigger the fission of the boron atoms, leading to the release of excited boron atoms, alpha particles (4He), and recoil lithium particles (7Li) along with the production of large amounts of energy in the narrow region. This therapy enables the highly targeted destruction of only boron compound-bearing tumor cells without destroying healthy surrounding tissue.
Neuboron’s NeuPex System
Neuboron has developed an advanced in-hospital accelerator system named NeuPex, based around the Neutron Beam System of its US partner TAE Life Sciences. This system is designed to deliver AB-BNCT treatments efficiently and effectively, enhancing the precision and safety of the therapy.
Strategic Implications
The successful initiation and preliminary positive results of the AB-BNCT trial in China highlight the potential of this innovative therapy in the treatment of advanced cancers. Neuboron’s leadership in bringing this technology to China and the promising outcomes from the trial suggest a new frontier in cancer treatment, offering hope to patients with limited treatment options.-Fineline Info & Tech
