How does boron neutron capture therapy target tumour tissue?

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A color-coded periodic table of the elements displays each element's symbol and atomic number, with categories such as alkali metals, noble gases, halogens, transition metals, and actinoid elements distinguished by different background colors. — boron group element Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) targets tumor tissue by leveraging the unique properties of the boron-10 isotope, which has an exceptionally high affinity for capturing thermal neutrons.1

The process works as follows:

Selective Accumulation: Certain boron compounds are injected into a patient, where they collect preferentially within the tumor tissue.1
Neutron Irradiation: The tumor area is then irradiated with thermal neutrons. These neutrons cause minimal damage to healthy tissue on their own.1
Targeted Destruction: When a boron-10 nucleus within the tumor captures a neutron, it releases a high-energy alpha particle. Because these particles do not travel far in biological matter, the resulting tissue damage is localized primarily to the tumor, sparing the surrounding healthy brain or organ tissue.1

Beyond brain tumors, researchers have studied BNCT as a potential treatment for cancers of the head, neck, liver, prostate, bladder, and breast.1