Title

Tumor-localizing and radiosensitizing properties of meso-tetra(4-nido- carboranylphenyl)porphyrin (H2TCP)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2008

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a binary cancer treatment that exploits the short range particles released from a nuclear fission reaction involving the non-radioactive 10B nucleus and low-energy neutrons for the destruction of tumor cells. In this perspective, porphyrins and phthalocyanines can represent a vehicle for the transport of significant amounts of boron to the neoplastic lesion. Material and Methods: B16F1 melanotic melanoma subcutaneously transplanted in C57/BL6 mice has been used as an in vivo model. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed by intratumoral and intravenous injection of a meso-substituted porphyrin containing 36 B atoms per molecule (H2TCP) and the distribution of H2TCP in the tumor was assessed by fluorescence microscopy analysis. The tumor-bearing mice were exposed to the radiation field for 20 min at a reactor power of 5 kW. Results: At 0.5 h after intratumoral administration or at 24 h after intravenous injection, the amount of 10B in the tumor was found to be about 60 ppm and about 6 ppm, respectively. In spite of the different amounts of 10B in the tumor at the time of irradiation, a very similar delay in tumor growth (5-6 days) was induced by neutron irradiation in the two groups of injected mice with respect to control mice. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that a suitable boron-loaded porphyrin displays a significant affinity for subcutaneous tumors, and upon activation by thermal neutrons, can promote an important response even in a fairly aggressive and generally radioresistant tumor such as melanotic melanoma. Copyright © 2008 Society of Porphyrins & Phthalocyanines.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines

First Page

866

Last Page

873

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