Particle Therapy
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Drug-device registration trials (Phase I closing)
Typical Duration
Core treatment 1–2 weeks (2–4 weeks total)
Estimated Cost
Assessed case by case
BNCT in China is transitioning from clinical research to routine clinical use; cost structures vary by center and protocol. We provide center-specific cost information after remote assessment.
Why China
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
01China’s first clinical BNCT center
Xiamen Humanity Hospital has established China’s first accelerator-based BNCT clinical center, completing the full chain from equipment and boron drugs to clinical workflows, and has led registered clinical studies.
02Cell-level precision
BNCT relies on boron compounds accumulating inside tumor cells; neutron irradiation triggers nuclear reactions releasing short-range, high-LET particles whose reach is about one cell diameter — killing tumor cells with maximal sparing of normal tissue, making it especially attractive for re-irradiation scenarios such as recurrent head-and-neck tumors.
03Domestic equipment and drugs advancing together
Chinese research teams are advancing domestically developed accelerator neutron sources and boron drugs in parallel; BNCT centers are under construction or planning in multiple cities, promising steadily improving access and cost structures.
04Multidisciplinary assessment system
BNCT centers combine radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, medical oncology, imaging and physics teams to complete indication assessment, boron-uptake evaluation (PET imaging) and dose planning, ensuring precision and safety.
Quick Overview
Care Journey
01
Case Review
Submit your records and imaging; receive a written expert assessment and preliminary plan within 48 hours.
02
Plan & Estimate
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) defines your individualized treatment plan with a transparent cost estimate.
03
Travel Preparation
We assist with medical visa, flights and accommodation, and assign a professional medical interpreter.
04
In-Hospital Care
A dedicated coordinator accompanies you through examinations and treatment, bridging all communication.
05
Recovery & Follow-up
Remote follow-up after you return home, with review schedules and medication guidance.
06
Long-term Management
Stay connected with your treating team, with fast-track return visits whenever needed.
Medical Team
Hospitals
Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center
Guangzhou · Grade III-A · Host of State Key Laboratory
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center
Shanghai · Grade III Specialty · National Particle Therapy Flagship
West China Hospital, Sichuan University
Chengdu · Grade III-A · National Comprehensive Medical Center
Xiamen Humanity Hospital (BNCT Center)
Xiamen · Grade III · China’s first AB-BNCT center
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tumors can BNCT treat today?+
The strongest evidence worldwide is for unresectable locally recurrent head-and-neck tumors; glioma and melanoma are also studied. In China, access is currently through registered clinical studies, with indications defined by each center’s ethics-approved protocols. We clarify currently available study directions after remote assessment.
How many sessions and how long is each?+
BNCT typically requires only 1–2 irradiation sessions. On the treatment day, the boron compound is infused intravenously (about 1–2 hours); once tumor boron concentration peaks, neutron irradiation is delivered (about 30–60 minutes). The entire process fits within a single day, and most patients do not need prolonged admission.
How to choose between BNCT and particle therapy?+
Particle therapy offers mature clinical pathways and pricing with broad indications. BNCT’s advantage lies in re-treatment of previously irradiated regions with cell-level precision, but centers are few and mostly research-stage. If the tumor has not been irradiated or a mature protocol is preferred, particle therapy usually comes first; for local recurrence after radiotherapy with limited options, a BNCT study pathway may be assessed.
What are the main adverse effects?+
Common effects are skin and mucosal reactions in the irradiated area and fatigue, mostly mild to moderate. Transient hypotension or allergic reactions may occur during boron infusion and are closely monitored. Long-term safety data are still accumulating; full informed-consent documentation is provided before enrollment.
How are cost and process arranged?+
Cost structures in the research phase vary by center (in some programs the drug and irradiation are covered by research funds, while tests and admission are self-paid). We first complete a remote record review to confirm fit with an ongoing study, then provide center-specific cost and schedule information — fully transparent with no hidden charges.
Detailed Information
Principle and advantages
BNCT achieves precision in two steps: a boron-10 carrier drug (such as BPA) is infused and selectively accumulates inside tumor cells; an epithermal neutron beam then irradiates the region, and boron-10 captures neutrons and fissions, releasing alpha particles and lithium nuclei with a range of only about 5–9 micrometers — roughly one cell diameter — destroying tumor cells while neighboring tissue remains almost unaffected.
Compared with photon radiotherapy, BNCT’s core advantage is dual selectivity — biological targeting plus physical killing — offering unique value for locally recurrent tumors after prior irradiation and for anatomically challenging lesions. Unlike chemotherapy, its effect does not depend on the cell cycle and is also active against slowly proliferating tumors.
Candidate profile and assessment pathway
Current research focuses include unresectable locally recurrent head-and-neck squamous cancers (recurrence after prior radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal, oral or laryngeal cancer), recurrent glioblastoma and cutaneous melanoma. Enrollment requires imaging, pathology and performance-status assessment at the research center, plus PET imaging to confirm boron-drug uptake by the lesion.
Our coordination pathway: remotely collect and translate records → submit to the research center for screening → report whether enrollment assessment is advised → assist with visa, travel and accommodation → complete PET uptake assessment and MDT discussion on site → confirm the treatment plan.
Treatment process
Assessment week: imaging review, pathology consultation and PET uptake evaluation with individualized planning. Treatment day: morning boron-drug infusion with blood-boron monitoring, followed by 30–60 minutes of neutron irradiation under cardiac monitoring. Observation week: 3–7 days of on-site observation with blood counts and local reaction checks; return travel is arranged once early adverse reactions are excluded, with remote follow-up thereafter.
Status, enrollment pathways and costs
BNCT in China is transitioning from clinical research to routine use, with Xiamen Humanity Hospital as a key coordination center. Some study slots carry no “treatment fee” while fee-based treatment programs also exist, depending on the protocol; tests, admission, interpreting and living costs are generally self-paid. We commit to written confirmation of all costs before travel, never handling medical fees — patients pay the hospital directly.
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