Overview
Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT) is based on nuclear capture and fission reactions that occur when an appropriate isotope is irradiated with low-energy (thermal) neutrons. Therefore, the NCT process requires both a powerful (high flux) neutron sources and compounds capable of delivering neutron capture isotopes selectively to tumor cells or their microenvironment. Until recently, nuclear reactors located in research institutions were used as neutron sources. Technological advances in small discrete accelerator-based neutron sources that, unlike nuclear reactors, may be located in medical centers have opened new opportunities for clinical adoption of NCT. This in turn, has elevated interest in new delivery agents that can be tested for potential use in clinical trials. The goals of this virtual workshop, organized by the NCI Radiation Research Program, are to:
- Assess the state of NCT
- Confer on NCT compounds under development and in their pipeline
- Stimulate new ideas for relevant neutron capture isotopes
- Discuss and recommend the best models/methods for translational research (preclinical and clinical)
Organizing Committee
Rolf F. Barth, MD
Academy Professor, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
Jacek Capala, PhD
Program Director, Radiation Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
Julie Hong, MS
Program Analyst, Radiation Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
Narayan Hosmane, PhD
Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and an Inaugural Board of Trustees Professor at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
Heikki Joensuu, MD, PhD
Research Director, Department of Oncology, University of Helsinki Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
Sunil Krishnan, MD
Radiation Oncologist, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
Akira Matsumura, MD, PhD, DrMed
President, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Visiting Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Former Medical Director of University Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan
Wolfgang Sauerwein, MD
President of the German Society for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Reinhard Schulte, MD
Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
Amanda Schwint, PhD
Head Radiation Pathology Division, Department Radiobiology, National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), Principal Investigator, National Research Council, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Bhadrasain Vikram, MD
Brach Chief, Radiation Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
Graca Vicente, PhD
Boyd Professor of Chemistry, Special Assistant to The Vice President, Chemistry and Life Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Jamey Weichert, Director of the Contrast Agent Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
For meeting questions, please contact Jacek Capala or Julie Hong.