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New Boronated Amino Acids for Neutron Capture Therapy--BioNeutrics, Inc., 9821 Cogdill Road, Knoxville, TN  37932; 865-675-5627

Mr. George Dilworth, P.E., Principal Investigator

Mr. Larry Tummel, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER82960

Amount:  $98,455

 

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme brain tumors and multiple metastatic melanoma.  The technique relies on the deposition of a boron-containing agent in tumors.  The current agent is not sufficiently selective in the cancers being treated.  This proposal is focused on the preparation (Phases I and II) and the testing (Phase II) of a promising new series of boronated amino acids.  Based on preliminary nuclear medicine data, the new boronated agents should more effectively deposit in tumors.  A series of new unnatural boronated, cyclic amino acids will be prepared.  The materials are analogues of nuclear medicine agents that are known to localize in tumors.

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  The successful development of tumor-selective boronated agents will improve the efficiency of Neutron Capture Therapy and permit the therapy to move to the commercial arena.  BioNeutrics is in the process of modifying the Tower Shielding Reactor on the Oak Ridge National Laboratory reservation for commercial neutron therapy application.