How does boron neutron capture therapy target brain tumours?

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A labeled diagram of the periodic table entry for boron shows its atomic number 5, symbol B, electron configuration, atomic weight range, and classification as a solid, weakly acidic, other nonmetal with a rhombohedral crystal structure at room temperature. — boron Properties of boron.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a targeted medical technique that utilizes the unique properties of the boron-10 isotope to treat brain tumours.

The process works through the following steps:

Selective Accumulation: Specific boron compounds are injected into the patient. These compounds are designed to collect preferentially within the tumour tissue rather than in healthy brain tissue.1
Neutron Irradiation: The tumour area is then irradiated with thermal neutrons. These neutrons generally cause minimal injury to surrounding healthy tissue.1
Targeted Destruction: When a boron-10 nucleus within the tumour captures a thermal neutron, it undergoes a nuclear reaction that results in the expulsion of a high-energy alpha particle. Because these alpha particles do not travel far in matter, the resulting tissue damage is localized primarily to the tumour, sparing the surrounding healthy cells.1

This method is also being studied for the treatment of various other cancers, including those of the head and neck, liver, prostate, bladder, and breast.1