Exploring boron neutron capture therapy as a promising treatment for spinal cord gliomas: in vivo efficacy in rat models

Abstract

Abstract Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a type of targeted particle radiation therapy with potential applications at the cellular level. Spinal cord gliomas (SCGs) present a substantial challenge owing to their poor prognosis and the lack of effective postoperative treatments. This study evaluated the efficacy of BNCT in a rat SCGs model employing the Basso, Bresnahan, and Beattie (BBB) scale to assess postoperative locomotor activity. We confirmed the presence of adequate in vitro boron concentrations in F98 and 9L cells exposed to boronophenylalanine (BPA) and in vivo tumor boron concentration 2.5 h after intravenous BPA administration. In vivo neutron irradiation significantly enhanced survival in the BNCT group when compared with that in the untreatedgroup, with a minimal BBB scale reduction in all sham-operated groups. These findings highlight the potential of BNCTas a promising treatment option for SCGs.