Boron neutron capture in prostate cancer cells

A modified enhanced thermal neutron beam (METNB) assembly at Fermilab was used to irradiate borylphenylalanine (BPA) treated human prostate cancer cells, DU 145. Acceptable cellular uptake levels of BPA and no BPA cytotoxicity were observed. In the absence of BPA, the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of the METNB was determined to be 2.3–4.8 times greater than gamma rays. An additional 1.2 or 1.4 fold relative enhancement from boron neutron capture (REBNC) was observed for METNB irradiated DU 145 cells treated with 4.9 or 12 mM BPA, respectively. The additional cell killing of the BPA loaded DU 145 cells by the METNB at Fermilab is evidence for a BNC enhanced cell killing.

► Evidence for a boron neutron capture reaction in BPA treated human prostate cancer cells is provided.
► Irradiations were performed using a modified enhanced thermal neutron beam (METNB) assembly at Fermilab.
► Monte Carlo simulations of the METNB at Fermilab indicate increased production of higher RBE neutrons.
► BPA cell loading was optimized for DU 145 cells and no cytotoxicity from BPA treatment alone was determined.