Antitumor potential induction and free radicals production in melanoma cells by Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Antiproliferative and oxidative damage effects occurring in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) in normal fibroblasts and melanoma cell lines were analyzed.Melanoma cells and normal fibroblasts were treated with different concentrations of Boronophenylalanine and irradiated with thermal neutron flux. The cellular viability and the oxidative stress were determined.BNCT induced free radicals production and proliferative potential inhibition in melanoma cells. Therefore, this therapeutic technique could be considered efficient to inhibit growth of melanoma with minimal effects on normal tissues.

► Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) induces melanoma cell death.
► BNCT stimulates free radicals production and proliferative inhibition in melanoma cells.
► It produces tumor membrane degeneration and destruction with apoptotic bodies formation.
► This therapy damages tumor cells selectively, with minimum effects on normal adjacent tissue.