A Preclinical BNCT Study: Testing, Optimization and Validation of In-House Synthesized Boronophenylalanine Compound in Normal and Tumour Tissues for Glioblastoma Multiforme

Cancer is a major global health issue, with over 229,200 Canadians diagnosed in 2021 and an estimated 7,500 facing head or neck cancers in 2022, exhibiting a 25% mortality rate. Among those glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents about 25-40% of all malignant tumors in the central nervous system and is the predominant type of primary malignant brain tumor. Traditional radiotherapy, particularly for GBM, proves largely ineffective. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), a non-invasive, targeted therapy, offers hope as a novel treatment for such malignancies, with ongoing research in Japan highlighting its promise. Our team is exploring BNCT's potential using mouse models to assess the safety and optimal dosage of boronophenylalanine (BPA), produced at the University of Windsor, in tumor and normal tissues, leveraging the similarity between mouse and human cancer progression. This research aims to accelerate BNCT's application in human and veterinary oncology, enhancing its accessibility and impact.