BNCT works by loading a boron-containing drug that selectively accumulates in tumour cells, then irradiating with thermal neutrons so boron atoms capture neutrons and release energy at cellular scale. In theory this kills tumour cells with less damage to adjacent tissue, which is why it attracts attention.
The actual status in China
Xiamen Humanity Hospital operates China’s first accelerator-based BNCT centre with a domestically developed neutron source; a single irradiation usually takes under 30 minutes and a course is one to two sessions. The centre is currently in drug-device registration trials, which means treatment is possible but not yet routine post-approval care: enrolment requires meeting trial criteria and giving informed consent.
Patients typically considered
- Recurrent head and neck tumours (nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx) where prior radiotherapy is near tolerance limits;
- Brain tumours (selected gliomas, meningiomas) as exploratory treatment when conventional options are limited;
- Locally recurrent lesions unsuitable for further surgery or re-irradiation.
Claims to be wary of
- Presenting a clinical trial as an established marketed technology;
- Promising specific survival times or cure rates — BNCT has no such population data yet;
- Pressure tactics such as “limited slots, pay now to lock one”. Legitimate enrolment is decided by investigators; paying does not jump the queue.
Enrolment is decided by the trial’s investigators against the protocol. We can help compile and forward records but make no promise about the outcome.