Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for glioblastoma multiforme: advantage of prolonged infusion of BPA-f.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To assess possible improved efficacy of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) using prolonged infusion and a correspondingly higher dose of l-boronophenylalanine, as the fructose complex (BPA-f).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The benefit of prolonged infusion was analyzed by comparing the results from a Phase II study using 6 h infusion of BPA-f with those obtained from a Phase I/II study using 2 h of infusion. Median survival time (MST) from diagnosis, patient baseline characteristics, salvage treatment and severe adverse events were considered in the comparison.

RESULTS:

MST increased significantly, from 12.8 (95% confidence interval or CI: 10.3-14.0) months with 2 h infusion to 17.7 (95% CI: 13.6-19.9) months with 6 h of infusion. The fraction of patients with WHO grade 3-4 adverse events was similar in the two studies at 13% and 14%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Prolonged infusion was found to be beneficial for the efficacy of BNCT and it is suggested that 6 h infusion of BPA-f should be used in future trials of BNCT for GBM. BNCT, which is a single-day treatment with mild side effects, should be assessed in a controlled trial, as an alternative to 30 daily fractions of conventional fractionated photon therapy over a period of 6 weeks.

• Authors: K Sköld, B H-Stenstam, A Z Diaz, V Giusti, L Pellettieri, J W Hopewell
• Journal: Acta neurologica Scandinavica (Acta Neurol Scand) Vol. 122 Issue 1 Pg. 58-62 (Jul 2010) ISSN: 1600-0404 [Electronic] Denmark
• PMID: 19951268 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• 4-boronophenylalanine-fructose
• Boron Compounds
• Fructose

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Boron Compounds (administration & dosage)
• Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
• Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic
• Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
• Fructose (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Glioblastoma (mortality, radiotherapy)
• Humans
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Kaplan-Meier Estimate
• Middle Aged
• Salvage Therapy
• Young Adult