Radiation therapy that combines a boron-containing drug with neutrons to target cancer cells.

BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy) is a type of radiation therapy in which a boron-containing drug that tends to accumulate in cancer cells is administered by intravenous (IV) infusion, followed by irradiation with a neutron beam from outside the body.
The radiation generated by the reaction between boron and neutrons travels only a very short distance (about the diameter of a single cell), allowing cancer cells to be selectively targeted while minimizing the effects on surrounding normal tissues.
Indications for treatment and the specific treatment process vary depending on the patient’s condition, examination results, treatment plan, and other factors.

Program details

How the Treatment Works
1. Administration of a boron-containing drug: A boron-containing drug that has a tendency to accumulate in cancer cells is administered intravenously. Before treatment, examinations such as FBPA-PET are performed to evaluate the uptake of the boron-containing drug into the tumor.

2. A treatment plan is prepared taking into consideration factors such as the location, size, and depth of the lesion, the irradiation area, and the effects on normal tissues. Based on the treatment plan, a dedicated system is used to irradiate the lesion with a neutron beam.

3. Use of intracellular reactions: The boron taken up by cancer cells reacts with neutrons, generating particles that act over a very short range, approximately the size of a single cell.

A distinctive feature of BNCT, compared with conventional radiation therapy, is that it uses this reaction to attack cancer cells.

【BNCT at Shonan Kamakura General Hospital】
Shonan Kamakura General Hospital has introduced the accelerator-based BNCT system “nuBeam®.” A CT scanner for treatment planning is installed in the treatment room, allowing the irradiation position to be confirmed and patient positioning to be performed without requiring the patient to move to another room.

Advanced Medical Center website:　　 https://www.skgh.jp/department/advanced/bnct/

Providing Medical Institution

Tokushukai Shonan-Kamakura General Hospital

〒247-8533
1370-1 Okamoto, Kamakura-shi Kanagawa

http://shonankamakura.or.jp/english/

Consultation Days

The schedule for consultations, examinations, and treatment is arranged individually for each patient after a prior review of the medical records and confirmation of potential eligibility for treatment.

Closed Days

Treatment and examination schedules are subject to the hospital’s operating schedule. Please contact us for specific dates.

Duration / Time Required

As a general guide, the period from consultations and examinations after the patient's visit to treatment and discharge is approximately 3 to 4 weeks.Preparation of the treatment plan takes approximately 2 weeks.　The hospitalization and treatment period is generally a three-day, two-night hospital stay.The schedule may change depending on the patient’s condition, examination results, treatment plan, bed availability, and other factors.　

start/end time

Hospital Inquiry Desk: BNCT Support Desk　Tel: +81-467-46-9931　(Monday–Friday: 9:00–17:00 JST; Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

the services included in the package

• Treatment planning CT
• Immobilization device
• BNCT drug and hospitalization costs (including the private room charge)

Note: Major costs not included in the basic BNCT fee
• Online medical consultation before traveling to Japan
•FBPA-PET
•Consultation and medical examination fees
•Examination costs such as CT and MRI
•Medical expenses for emergency consultations, intravenous infusions, and other medical care
•Prescription medications
•Interpretation fees
•Other medical expenses required on an individual basis

Eligibility Criteria/Exclusions for Treatment

Indications for BNCT are determined on an individual basis by Shonan Kamakura General Hospital based on the referral letter, imaging studies such as CT and MRI, the patient’s previous treatment history, medical examination, and test results such as FBPA-PET.
Cancers that are difficult to resect surgically and cases in which previous treatments have had limited effect may serve as a general guide for whether to seek a consultation. However, BNCT may not be available depending on factors such as the location, size, and depth of the cancer, the presence or absence of metastases, previous treatments, and the patient’s general condition.
Undergoing a preliminary consultation or an online medical consultation does not guarantee that BNCT will be performed.

meal condition

Hospitalization: The standard hospital stay is three days and two nights. The basic BNCT fee includes hospitalization costs, including the private room charge.
Accommodation and transfer services before and after treatment: If you require these services, please contact JMHC.
We will advise you individually on whether such arrangements can be made and on the associated costs.

Cancellation Fee

Please contact JMHC for further details.

Remarks

Process from Initial Consultation to Treatment

1. Preliminary Consultation and Review of Medical Records
Please contact JMHC to inform us thatyou wish to be considered for BNCT treatment. You will be asked to submit a referral letter, details of your previous treatment history, and imaging data such as CT and MRI.

2. Online Medical Consultation
Before traveling to Japan, you will have an online medical consultation. Based on the medical information submitted, the potential eligibility for BNCT will be assessed.

3. Hospital Visit, Medical Examination, and Tests
You will visit Shonan Kamakura General Hospital for a medical examination and any necessary tests.

4. FBPA-PET and Treatment Planning CT
FBPA-PET is performed to assess the uptake of the boron-containing drug into the tumor. A CT examination is also performed to prepare the treatment plan.

5. Treatment Planning
Based on the examination results, the irradiation method, radiation dose, treatment field, and other factors are evaluated. Preparation of the treatment plan takes approximately 2 weeks.

6. Pre-admission Explanation and Preparation
You will receive an explanation regarding the treatment, possible risks and side effects, hospitalization schedule, and other matters. The treatment schedule will be finalized after your consent is obtained.

7. Hospitalization and BNCT Treatment
The hospitalization and treatment period is generally a three-day, two-night hospital stay.
Day 1:Treatment rehearsal (positioning simulation) and hospital admission
Day 2: BNCT treatment
Day 3: Post-treatment medical examination and discharge

8. Follow-up After Treatment
After discharge, medical examinations and follow-up will continue in coordination with Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, the referring medical institution, or other relevant medical institutions.

Precautions / Contraindications

・To receive treatment, an eligibility assessment based on prior medical examinations and tests is required. If the assessment determines that the eligibility criteria are not met, treatment may not be available.
・A referral letter and imaging data (CT/MRI, etc.) must be submitted in advance.
・Potential side effects and risks will be explained individually by the physician before treatment.
・Patients who are pregnant, have distant metastases, or have implanted metallic medical devices (such as pacemakers), among others, may not be eligible for treatment.