SBIR-STTR Award

Neutron capture therapy is an attractive alternative to standard radiation techniques for cancer treatment if nuclei, such as 10B, can be selectively concentrated in tumors. Small, unilamellar, phospholipid vesicles are known to be taken up by animal and human tumors. Liposome formulations will be tested for their ability to encapsulate high concentrations of boron compounds in a stable manner. Biodistribution of these B-containing liposomes will be tested in mice bearing EMT6 tumors with radiolabeled Na2 B10H10.National Cancer Institute (NCI)

This application attempts to extend the proven strategy of liposomal delivery on anti-neoplastic drugs to tumors to the delivery of novel boron compounds. Phase I and interim studies have demonstrated that the delivery of boron-10 in therapeutically useful concentrations to animal tumors can be obtained when the boron compounds (hydrophilic and lipophilic) are encapsulated in liposomes. Phase II studies will attempt to maximize the tumor concentration of novel boron molecules while minimizing the blood levels of these compounds.National Cancer Institute (NCI)