Neutron Capture Therapy

Neutron capture therapy: a new approach to treating tumors

Neutron capture therapy (NCT) is an innovative method of treating tumors, which is based on the use of thermal neutrons after preliminary introduction into the tumor of radionuclides that capture neutrons.

The main idea of ​​the method is that tumor cells have a higher division rate compared to healthy cells. After the introduction of radionuclides, they accumulate in the tumor, and then irradiation with thermal neutrons leads to localized damage to tumor cells.

One of the advantages of TNZ is the ability to precisely control the radiation dose, which allows minimizing damage to healthy tissues and organs. In addition, this method makes it possible to achieve high treatment efficiency for various types of tumors, including known forms of cancer.

However, like any treatment method, TNZ has its limitations and side effects. In particular, complications associated with damage to healthy tissue near the tumor are possible. It is also possible to develop reactions to the introduction of radionuclides, which can lead to various adverse consequences.

However, TNZ is a promising tumor treatment that can be used in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This opens up new opportunities for a more effective and individualized approach to the treatment of cancer.

In conclusion, Neutron Capture Therapy is a tumor treatment method that relies on the use of thermal neutrons after first introducing radionuclides into the tumor. This method allows achieving high treatment efficiency for various types of tumors, but requires additional research and careful assessment of side effects.

Neutron Capture Therapy: Using Thermal Neutrons to Fight Tumors

In the modern medical world, new and effective methods of treating various types of tumors are constantly being sought. One of these methods is neutron capture therapy - an innovative radiation therapy based on the use of thermal neutrons and radionuclides that capture neutrons.

Neutron capture therapy, also known as boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), is a unique approach to treating tumors. It differs from other radiotherapy methods in that it uses thermal neutrons rather than ordinary photons or electrons. Thermal neutrons have the ability to penetrate deeply into tissue and interact with atoms of boron-10, lithium-7 and other radionuclides that are previously introduced into the patient’s tumor.

The operating principle of neutron capture therapy is based on the phenomenon of neutron capture. When a thermal neutron interacts with an atom of boron-10 or lithium-7, a nuclear reaction occurs that produces alpha particles, lithium-7, and other products. Alpha particles, which have a short travel distance in tissue, cause maximum damage to cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Thus, neutron capture therapy makes it possible to achieve a more precise and less invasive effect on the tumor.

One of the advantages of neutron capture therapy is its ability to treat tumors that are difficult or impossible to remove with surgery or treat with other radiotherapy methods. Thanks to the use of thermal neutrons, neutron capture therapy can be effective even in cases where the tumor is located close to important organs or structures in the patient's body.

However, despite the potential benefits, neutron capture therapy also has its limitations and causes certain problems. First of all, it requires preliminary injection of radionuclides into the tumor, which can be complex and requires specialized skills and equipment. In addition, access to thermal neutrons is limited, and the procedure requires the use of special neutron sources.

In the future, as technology and research advance, neutron capture therapy may become a more widely available and effective treatment for tumors. Improvements in radionuclide injection techniques and the development of more efficient thermal neutron sources may help overcome the current limitations of this procedure.

Neutron capture therapy is an innovative approach to treating tumors that differs from traditional radiotherapy methods. Its main advantages include precision targeting of tumors, minimization of damage to healthy tissue, and the ability to treat complex or unresectable tumors. However, further research and development of the technique is required to make this method more accessible and effective for a larger number of patients.