Development history of boron delivery agents

Abstract

This article briefly reviews the development of boron delivery agents used in boron neutron capture therapy from the 1950s to the present, and highlights the booming third-generation boron delivery agents. Since the 1950s, boron delivery agents has gradually experienced three generations of development. The first generation of boric acid analogs withdrew from the historical stage due to lack of tumor specificity; the second generation of BPA and BSH have passed the historical test and become the only two currently used in clinics, playing an important role in the treatment of locally invasive malignant tumors such as melanoma, gliomas, and recurrent head and neck cancer; the third generation of boron delivery agents are constantly challenging BPA and BSH in a blooming manner. In pursuit of better treatment effects, the new boron carrier agent that is constantly exploring in the direction of integration of diagnosis and treatment and diversification will create new possibilities for boron neutron capture therapy.