[Literature Sharing] A Review of Clinical Studies on Boron Neutron Capture Therapy in Locally Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

 Patients with locally recurrent head and neck cancer often face limited therapeutic options due to prior surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. A recent systematic review published in Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology summarized available clinical studies evaluating Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) in this patient population. The review suggests that BNCT demonstrated moderate to relatively high tumor response rates in selected studies, with an overall acceptable toxicity profile. As accelerator-based neutron sources and treatment workflows continue to evolve, BNCT may represent a potential alternative therapeutic approach for locally recurrent head and neck cancer. However, further prospective studies are required to clarify its clinical role and optimal indications.

 Key Points

 

• Article Type: Systematic Review

• Journal: Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology (2025)

• Patient Population: Locally recurrent head and neck cancer

• Therapy: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT)

• Efficacy Findings:

  • Moderate to relatively high tumor response rates reported across studies

  • Overall survival outcomes of clinical relevance in selected cohorts

• Safety Profile:

  • Predominantly mild to moderate treatment-related adverse events

  • Relatively limited incidence of severe toxicity

• Limitations and Future Directions:

  • Considerable heterogeneity among included studies

  • Lack of large-scale prospective and randomized trials

  • Need for standardized treatment protocols and indication refinement

 

Source

 Sun et al., Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology (2025)

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41455578/

 

This content is provided solely as an academic literature summary for informational exchange and does not represent medical advice or clinical guidance.