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Updated: May 30, 2026
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Intra-Cardiac Injection of Human Prostate Cancer Cells to Create a Bone Metastasis Xenograft Mouse Model
Published on: November 4, 2022
Boron neutron capture in prostate cancer cells
Linda Yasui1, Thomas Kroc, Samantha Gladden
1Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115-2862, USA. lyasui@niu.edu
Summary
Researchers used a modified enhanced thermal neutron beam (METNB) to treat prostate cancer cells with borylphenylalanine (BPA). This Boron Neutron Capture (BNC) therapy showed enhanced cell killing, indicating its potential effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is an experimental cancer treatment.
- BPA is a boron-containing compound used in BNCT.
- Prostate cancer cells (DU 145) are a relevant model for BNCT studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a modified enhanced thermal neutron beam (METNB) for Boron Neutron Capture (BNC) enhanced cell killing.
- To assess the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of the METNB.
- To determine the additional enhancement from BNC in BPA-treated prostate cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Irradiation of DU 145 human prostate cancer cells with METNB at Fermilab.
- Treatment of cells with varying concentrations of borylphenylalanine (BPA).
- Assessment of BPA cellular uptake and cytotoxicity.
- Determination of RBE compared to gamma rays and relative enhancement from BNC (RE(BNC)).
Main Results:
- BPA showed acceptable cellular uptake and no significant cytotoxicity in DU 145 cells.
- The METNB demonstrated an RBE 2.3-4.8 times greater than gamma rays.
- A relative enhancement from BNC (RE(BNC)) of 1.2 or 1.4 fold was observed with 4.9mM or 12mM BPA, respectively.
Conclusions:
- The METNB is effective in enhancing cell killing of BPA-treated prostate cancer cells.
- The observed additional cell killing provides evidence for BNC-enhanced therapy.
- This study supports the potential of METNB and BPA in targeted cancer treatment.
