TARGETED DRUG-DELIVERY FOR BORON NEUTRON-CAPTURE THERAPY

Purpose. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a form of radiochemot herapy that is becoming increasingly important for the treatment of ma lignant gliomas, malignant melanomas and other forms of cancer. Target ed delivery of boron to tumors is a critical prerequisite for successf ul BNCT. Methods. Strategies that involve synthetic chemical approache s and biochemical and biophysical approaches are employed to meet this requirement. Compounds developed for targeting to tumors include boro captate sodium (BSH) and p-boronophenylalanine (BPA) which are current ly in clinical use. Results. Boronated porphyrins. nucleosides, nucleo tides and other boronated compounds show potentials as targeting molec ules. Conjugation of boron compounds to macromolecules such as monoclo nal antibodies, epidermal growth factor and dextran is also employed f or active or passive tumor targeting. Conclusions. Boron delivery via microparticulate carriers such as liposomes, high density lipoproteins and microcapsules is also attractive for its potential application in BNCT.