title: Advancements in Tumor Targeting Strategies for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.
abstract: Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a promising cancer therapy modality that utilizes the nuclear capture reaction of epithermal neutrons by boron-10 resulting in a localized nuclear fission reaction and subsequent cell death. Since cellular destruction is limited to approximately the diameter of a single cell, primarily only cells in the neutron field with significant boron accumulation will be damaged. However, the emergence of BNCT as a prominent therapy has in large part been hindered by a paucity of tumor selective boron containing agents. While L-boronophenylalanine and sodium borocaptate are the most commonly investigated clinical agents, new agents are desperately needed due to their suboptimal tumor selectivity. This review will highlight the various strategies to improve tumor boron delivery including: nucleoside and carbohydrate analogs, unnatural amino acids, porphyrins, antibody-dendrimer conjugates, cationic polymers, cell-membrane penetrating peptides, liposomes and nanoparticles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Biology Division, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, 4511 Forest Park Ave., Room 3103, St. Louis, Missouri, 63108, USA.
authors.forename: Micah John
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Luderer
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: de la Puente
authors.forename: Abdel Kareem
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Azab
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001896:Boron Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016754:Boron Neutron Capture Therapy / Q000379:methods; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009502:Neutrons / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D001896:Boron Compounds