Cutting-Edge Research
in Kyoto University

MED-SCI

Attacking Cancer with Neutrons A study of radiation biology to enhance Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.

The low-energy neutrons combine with 10B to form 11B, releasing lethal
radiation (alpha particles and lithium ions) that can kill cancer cells

Cancer cells are surrounded by normal cells. A targeted therapy using neutrons, which kills only cancer cells, has been carried out at Kyoto University’s Research Reactor Institute (KUR). Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) uses the effect of the 10B(n,α)7 Li reaction to selectively destroy cancer cells injected with boron-10 compound. I have performed a study that aims to improve the effect of BNCT, and investigated DNA damage in the human body caused by neutron radiation. I found that Vitamin C is effective in protecting the human body from the effects of neutron radiation, which is has a greater effect on the human body than x-ray radiation. I aim to develop a neutron treatment for cancer with few side effects.

Yuko Kinashi, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute