Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an unconventional radiotherapy that combines low-energy neutron irradiation in the presence of boron-containing compounds at targeted cells. The low range of the charged particles permits selective destruction of tumor cells without affecting adjacent healthy cells. The delivery of boron should be as selective as possible to tumor cells in order to increase the amount of internalized B in neoplastic cells, while minimizing uptake in surrounding healthy tissues and permanence in blood, which could damage normal organs and vessels.
In collaboration with prof. A Deagostino of the Chemistry Department, University of Torino, we synthesized and tested for tumours treatment, different targeted both small- and nanosized boron carriers.