Dear Colleagues,

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is based on the preferential uptake of ¹⁰B-loaded targeting drugs by cancer cells and the high thermal neutron capture cross-section of ¹⁰B. The capture of thermal neutrons by ¹⁰B produces ⁴He and ⁷Li ions; two high-LET particles with ranges within the diameter of a single cell. This allows for the potential to target single tumor cells with precision.

BNCT is not a new idea with its conception dating back to the 1930s. However, whilst pre-clinical and clinical studies have continued, adoption of BNCT for routine clinical practice has been slow. This is primarily due to the use of reactors as a source of thermal neutrons, significantly reducing access for patients and limiting the ability to perform the necessary clinical trials. However, the development of accelerator-based BNCT systems in recent years has opened up the possibility for hospital-based installations. This is a potential game changer for the proliferation of BNCT, opening up opportunities to perform meaningful clinical trials. This advancement is causing a renaissance in the BNCT field.

Accelerator-based BNCT systems are being installed in hospitals around the world and collaborative clinical trials are planned. Work to optimize targeted drugs for improved ¹⁰B delivery is increasing and techniques for treatment planning and dose verification are being developed. This special issue will highlight cutting edge research in all these areas of BNCT development.