Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 2/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Dr. Nordquist,

I was wondering if you had heard about Boron neutron capture therapy to cure the brain cancer Glioblastomamultiforme? Is there any clinical trials undertaken in Sweden using BNCT?

Kind Regards

Morten Takelund

ANSWER: You can write to me in Danish or Norwegian. I have no problems with either language and of course not with Swedish. Yes I have. It is actually quite an old concept. If I remember correctly the British astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle, Ph.D. uses it in one of his earlier science fiction books - written in the late 1950'ies. But the physics of it is sound and correct. It has however been quite difficult to bring its use into medical radiation therapy. As far as I know there are no experiments with it going on in Sweden. But I know there are - with some success - in Finland. As far as I know though not with any brain tumours. Those early successes are with what is called "head and neck tumours" which do NOT include brain tumours. I do suggest that you contact the department of medical oncology & radiation therapy of the Central University Hospital of Helsinki, Finland or in Finnish/Swedish
Helsingin Yliopisten Keskussairalaan/Helsingfors Universitetscentralsjukhus for help with this. You should be able to communicate using Swedish and therefore probably also in Norwegian and of course also English. Danish is more doubtful. I remember from my time as a Swedish military medical doctors that the Finns always had problems with lectures in Danish during Nordic military medical meetings. Good luck! Lykke till!




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Dr. Nordquist,

Thank you for your sudden response. As you can appreciate Im desperately looking for something that may improve the condition of my mother who has received the diagnosis Glioblastomamultiforme.

Ive heard about some alternative treatments i.e www.gemm-therapy.com  molecular communication that is, but I do not know to the extent this can be supported medically.

In regards to Boron neutron capture therapy I understand the tumor cell is dependent on the nuclear reaction between the stable isotope of boron ((10)B) and thermal neutrons, which release alpha and (7)Li particles within a limited path length (-9 microm) through the boron neutron capture reaction, (10)B(n,alpha)(7)Li. Furthermore, if this theory is valid, do you know why the use of it is so unknown?

In your view what would be the best approach how to deal/ live with Glioblastomamultiforme?

As there are no suitable clinical trials in Norway, in your view which facilities would know most about the condition Glioblastomemultiforme?

Please be advised you views and input is highly appreciated.


Kind Regards

Morten Takelund  

Answer
Ok, since you continue in English and not in Norwegian I too will continue in English. Your description of the neutron-boron reaction is quite correct. In theory it is a VERY effective & efficient treatment method with few negative theoretical aspects and it is certainly NOT unknown - at least not among professionals. But as you can see from your own description of it the active particles, those that kill the tumor cells (alpha particles = helium nuclei and Li7), have a very short path to work in. For this method to work the boron must be evenly distributed all through the tumor itself and there you have the problem. To do that has proved itself to be very difficult and I'm not aware of anyone who has succeeded in doing so in glioblastoma multiforme tumors. The Finns seem to have succeeded in some head & neck tumors but not in any brain tumors so far anyway. With regards to the other method you mention I know nothing of it BUT had it really showed any promise I'm sure I would have heard of it since at the moment ALL glioblastoma multiforme tumors anywhere & everywhere all over the world show a very bad prognosis unfortunately and everyone is looking for some sort of solution. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!
Jag beklagar att jag inte har bättre saker att berätta för Dig! Men detta är tyvärr sanningen och verkligheten, i varje fall den nuvarande!