boronophenylalanine-fructose complex

Definition / meaning of boronophenylalanine-fructose complex

A boronated phenylalanine complexed with fructose to increase its solubility. When exposed to neutron irradiation, boronophenylalanine absorbs neutrons and self-destructs releasing short-range alpha radiation and ‘recoil’ lithium in tumor cells, resulting in alpha radiation-induced tumor cell death. This highly selective, localized radiotargeting of tumor cells, known as boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), spares adjacent normal tissues.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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