Neutron Therapeutics, Finnish hospital group partner to offer nuclear cancer treatment
Neutron Therapeutics and Helsinki University Hospital (HUH) have partnered up to offer nuBeam suite for boron-neutron capture therapy (BNCT) at the hospital's cancer center. The partnership will utilize and further develop BNCT to be used in clinical settings.
A biologically targeted form of radiation therapy, BNCT has been proven to be effective in treating patients with cancer where other treatments have failed. Treatment begins with the patient being given a tumor-localizing drug that contains boron. The tumor is then irradiated with epithermal neutrons that capture the boron, with the reactions causing the release of high-energy charged particles. The biologically destructive radiation destroys cancer cells, while leaving the surrounding cells unaffected.
In a test of 100 patients with reoccurring head and neck cancer, BNCT was able to treat patients at a promising rate at Finland's HUH.
"BNCT holds the promise of changing the landscape of cancer treatment and it is a key focus area for HUH. We aim to start treatments in 2018,” said Petri Bono, Medical Director of HUH. “Neutron Therapeutics' nuBeam suite represents the cutting edge of accelerator based neutron sources. We were particularly impressed by its unparalleled efficiency, durability and neutron beam quality."
Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.