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Published on: August 25, 2023
Potential of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST)
Takuya Fujimoto1, Tooru Andoh2, Tamotsu Sudo3
1Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hyogo Cancer Center, Kitaouji 13-70, Akashi, Hyogo, 673-0021, Japan.
Abstract:
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are relatively rare neoplasms with poor prognosis. At present there is no effective treatment for MPNST other than surgical resection. Nonetheless, the anti-tumor effect of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) was recently demonstrated in two patients with MPNST. Subsequently, tumor-bearing nude mice subcutaneously transplanted with a human MPNST cell line were injected with p-borono-L-phenylalanine (L-BPA) and subjected to BNCT. Pathological studies then revealed that the MPNST cells were selectively destroyed by BNCT.
Insights
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) shows promise for treating malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). BNCT selectively destroyed MPNST cells in a preclinical study, offering a potential new treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Physics
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare and aggressive neoplasms.
- Current treatment for MPNST is limited to surgical resection, with poor patient prognosis.
- Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has shown preliminary anti-tumor effects in MPNST patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of BNCT in a preclinical model of MPNST.
- To assess the selective destruction of MPNST cells using BNCT with L-BPA.
Main Methods:
- Tumor-bearing nude mice were subcutaneously transplanted with a human MPNST cell line.
- Mice were administered p-borono-L-phenylalanine (L-BPA), a boron-containing compound.
- Mice were then subjected to boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).
Main Results:
- Pathological studies confirmed the selective destruction of MPNST cells following BNCT.
- BNCT demonstrated a targeted anti-tumor effect on the human MPNST xenografts.
Conclusions:
- BNCT, in combination with L-BPA, is effective in selectively destroying malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor cells.
- This study supports further investigation of BNCT as a potential therapeutic strategy for MPNST.
