Next Generation Cancer Therapy: BNCT
— Target the tumor. Protect your body.
What is BNCT?
BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy) is a special type of radiation treatment that uses a substance called boron, combined with tiny particles known as neutrons, to precisely target and destroy cancer cells.
This innovative approach is designed to treat challenging cancers, including those that do not respond to standard radiation methods—such as tumors in the brain, head and neck region, and melanoma.
BNCT differs from traditional cancer treatments in that it targets cancer cells more precisely, reducing damage to normal cells and thus being considered less burdensome on the body. In conventional radiation therapy, the treatment often requires multiple visits and can inadvertently harm normal cells. In contrast, BNCT generally requires just one session of neutron irradiation to be effective. As a result, it is considered to have less of a physical strain due to fewer hospital visits.
Now Available to International Patients:
With full support from services provided by CUREVEL, international patients can now access BNCT treatment in Japan safely and smoothly.
Supporting You, Every Step of the Way
You don’t have to walk it alone
We believe advanced medicine should come with human warmth.
Receiving BNCT can feel like a big step into the unknown.
That’s why we offer more than just access to treatment — we provide personalized, compassionate support from experienced nurses who understand the medical and emotional challenges you may face.
Key Benefits of BNCT
1.Minimal side effect:
Since the alpha particles and lithium-7 nuclei produced in the nuclear reaction have very short travel distances (about the diameter of a cell), they selectively destroy cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy cells. This results in fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy, which often affects both cancerous and healthy tissues.
2. Effective for Resistant Tumors:
BNCT is particularly effective for treating cancers that are resistant to traditional therapies, such as certain brain tumors, head and neck cancers, and melanomas. It provides an alternative where other treatments may not be effective.
3.Potential for Single Session Treatment:
Often, a single BNCT session is sufficient to deliver the necessary therapeutic effect, compared to traditional radiation therapy that typically requires multiple sessions over several weeks. This can reduce the overall stress and inconvenience for patients.
4.Improved Quality of Life:
By reducing the treatment duration and side effects, BNCT can help maintain a higher quality of life during and after treatment, which is a critical consideration for cancer patients.
Japan's Strength in BNCT
1.Clinical Expertise and Volume:
Japan has been at the forefront of BNCT research and clinical applications for several decades. Japanese medical institutions have conducted hundreds of BNCT treatments, accumulating extensive clinical experience and data. For instance, significant studies and trials have been carried out at facilities like the Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute (KURRI) and newly established centers like Southern Tohoku BNCT Research Center, which contribute to a robust body of evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of BNCT in Japan.
2.Research and Development:
Japan's investment in BNCT technology and research significantly surpasses that of many other countries. Japan has developed several boron drugs and neutron sources specifically designed for BNCT. This ongoing research and development ensure that BNCT in Japan remains at the cutting edge of cancer treatment technology.
3.Success Rates and Safety:
Japanese medical centers report high success rates with BNCT, particularly for head and neck cancers, as well as glioblastomas, which are notoriously difficult to treat with conventional therapies. Published data often highlight the lower incidence of severe side effects and complications in Japanese BNCT treatments compared to traditional radiation therapies, underscoring its safety and effectiveness.
4.International Collaboration and Training:
Japan not only leads in BNCT treatments but also in training medical professionals from around the world in this specialized technique. This global leadership in BNCT education ensures that Japanese practitioners are continually updated with the latest techniques and treatment protocols.
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How much does the treatment cost?Treatment is provided on a self-pay basis (not covered by public insurance). The total cost depends on the patient’s condition, so please contact us for details.
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Can elderly patients undergo this treatment?While the treatment itself may require only one session, preparation for the treatment takes about 3 hours, preparation on the day of the treatment takes about 2 hours, and the treatment lasts for 1 hour. Patients must maintain the same position during the treatment, but the preparation periods require changes in posture, such as standing up and sitting down, which demands a certain level of physical fitness. The treatment preparation can be challenging for individuals who have difficulty climbing stairs. Generally, those who are bedridden or constantly require a wheelchair are not suitable candidates for this treatment.
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Can I explore Japan during the day and receive treatment in the evening?Yes. Among the hospitals we partner with, some offer evening radiation therapy sessions, with treatment available until around 10 PM. This allows patients to enjoy sightseeing or other daytime activities before receiving care in the evening.
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Is it possible to have a consultation just to get information?Yes, consultations are available. Please prepare the following documents with the help of your primary care physician: -Referral letter or medical information summary -Treatment data, including: -Medical images (CT, MRI, PET, etc.) -Blood test results -Pathology reports -Records of any previous radiation treatments (treatment plans, dose summaries, etc.)
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How is BNCT administered?There are several types of boron, but the type used in BNCT is called 'boron-10'. Boron-10 has a propensity to react with very low-energy neutrons, known as 'thermal neutrons'. Initially, a special solution containing boron-10 (10B) is administered to the patient through an IV drip, causing the boron-10 to accumulate in cancer cells. Subsequently, the affected area is irradiated with neutron beams from outside the body. These neutron beams have very low energy, and thus minimal impact on the human body. However, when these neutrons collide with boron-10, a nuclear reaction occurs, producing radiation (alpha particles and lithium-7 nuclei). These two particles travel only a very short distance—about the size of a single cell—which allows the energy to be concentrated inside the cancer cells and that is why selectively destroys them Thermal neutrons can only travel a limited distance, which means BNCT might not be suitable for tumors located deep inside the body. Even so, the ability to target cancer cells at the cellular level represents a new and promising approach that was not possible with traditional radiation treatments.
