Effect of boron neutron capture therapy on biological behavior of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Abstract

Background: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) shows clinical promise for cancer treatment, particularly in addressing radiotherapy resistance, the primary cause of local recurrence in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Research on BNCT for both conventional and radiotherapy-resistant NPC remains limited.

Objectives: This study evaluates BNCT's efficacy against NPC using parental 5-8 F and radiotherapy-resistant 5-8 F-IR cell lines, comparing its effects to γ-rays and thermal (BPA), and ¹⁰B uptake was quantified via ICP-MS. Cytotoxicity (CCK-8), migration (Transwell), invasion, and clonogenic assays validated radioresistance in 5-8 F-IR. BNCT's impact on proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle (G2/M arrest) was assessed.

Results: BPA showed no toxicity, with ¹⁰B uptake reaching 1 × 10⁹ atoms/cell after 2 h. BNCT inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in 5-8 F cells dose-dependently. For 5-8 F-IR (40 μg/mL 10B), BNCT suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion more effectively than γ-rays or neutrons, inducing significant G2/M arrest.

Conclusions and significance: BNCT enhances radiosensitivity in NPC, particularly for resistant cases, outperforming conventional radiotherapy. BPA's targeted delivery and BNCT's cytotoxic effects support its potential as a salvage therapy for recurrent NPC.