Boron Neutron Capture (BNZT)

2024: Completion of construction

In the summer of 2024, the first Russian neutron accelerator source for boron-neutron capture therapy (BNZT) was built. This event opens up new horizons in the fight against intractable tumors, especially in cases where traditional methods are ineffective.

The project was implemented on behalf of the Russian government and became possible thanks to the efforts of scientists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the SB RAS. Boron-neutron capture therapy is based on the use of the isotope boron-10, which accumulates in tumor cells and, when exposed to neutrons, destroys malignant formations. This method does not require surgery and is characterized by high accuracy of action on tumor cells, preserving healthy tissues. According to experts, this technology has great potential in the treatment of complex forms of cancer.

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According to the director of the Institute of Nuclear Physics named after Budker of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Pavel Logachev, in the fall of 2024 the device will be sent to the Federal State Budgetary Institution "N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology" of the Ministry of Health of Russia for use in the treatment of complex oncological diseases.

Successful preclinical tests on animals have already been carried out on the created accelerator. As part of these experiments, scientists treated 25 dogs and cats suffering from advanced cancer with metastatic lesions. The results showed that boron-neutron capture therapy is able to ensure multi-month survival of patients, which confirms its effectiveness and high reliability. The technology is expected to be introduced into clinical practice in the coming years, providing oncologists with a new tool to fight cancer.

In addition, the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the SB RAS continues to work on other important projects. In particular, Pavel Logachev reported on the progress of creating unique equipment for the Center for Collective Use "Siberian Ring Photon Source" (TsKP "SKIF"). This project is also being implemented with the participation of enterprises in various regions of Russia, such as Tomsk, Izhevsk, Berdsk and Vologda.^[1]

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