Efficacy of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for patients with oral cancer

Although BNCT is a novel therapy for head and neck cancers, its efficacy in patients with oral cancer remains unclear.

Nine patients with oral cancer underwent BNCT at Southern Tohoku BNCT Research Center. We reviewed the charts and diagnostic images of these patients and analyzed their responses and adverse events associated with the therapy.

All patients underwent surgery and/or radiotherapy as initial treatment for head and neck cancer. No patients had distant metastases at the time of BNCT. The median observation period was 16 months. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events were observed in six patients who recovered within one month. Treatment responses were complete in seven patients and partial in two. Overall survival, disease-specific survival, and local control rates of the patients at one year were 76.2, 76.2, and 87.5 %, respectively.

Our study suggested that BNCT is a relatively safe and effective treatment for patients with recurrent and/or advanced oral cancer.