New Method Allows Real-Time Boron Measurement in individual Cancer Cells, Advancing BNCT Research
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a novel technique enabling the real-time measurement of boron levels within individual cancer cells. This breakthrough, detailed in a recent article published in the Journal of Analytical atomic Spectrometry, promises too improve understanding of how Boron Neutron Capture therapy (BNCT) functions and optimize its effectiveness as a precision treatment for head and neck cancers.
BNCT is an emerging cancer therapy where patients ingest a boron-containing drug designed to accumulate within tumor cells. Subsequently, the tumor is exposed to neutron radiation, which interacts with the boron, selectively destroying the cancer cells. The success of BNCT hinges on sufficient boron uptake and retention within the tumor cells during neutron irradiation.
Previously, boron levels were only measurable as an average across large populations of cells – hundreds of thousands – obscuring crucial variations between individual cells. The new technique, called single-cell ICP-MS, overcomes this limitation.
“Until now, it’s only been possible to measure average boron uptake in hundreds-of-thousands of cells, which masks important differences between individual cells. Our single-cell approach reveals this variability, which is critical in a tumor setting where heterogeneity frequently enough determines whether treatment works or fails,” explained Dr. James Coverdale of the University of Birmingham’s School of Pharmacy. “We beleive the results are exciting because we now have the first direct evidence of how much boron is present in individual tumor cells, and how long it stays there. This details could help to optimise when neutron irradiation should be delivered relative to drug administration. By showing which transport pathways bring boron into cells, the work also offers clues for designing better drugs that accumulate more effectively. For the cancer drug discovery community, this study opens a new way of evaluating BNCT drug candidates.”
A critically important challenge in developing the technique was maintaining cell viability during the sensitive measurement process. The team successfully addressed this by carefully optimizing the cell culture medium and the method of introducing cells into the instrument, preventing rapid cell deterioration and ensuring accurate data collection.
Jack Finch, co-first author of the study and a University of Birmingham Biochemistry alumnus, highlighted the technique’s potential: “This will be vital for testing and comparing future BNCT drugs and will help to identify the most effective treatments. Ultimately, our work supports progress toward making the already promising BNCT into a more precise and effective cancer treatment.”
Head and neck cancer is a significant health concern in the UK, representing the 8th most common cancer and accounting for 3% of all new cancer cases between 2017 and 2019, according to Cancer Research UK. This new technique, funded by the Rosetrees Trust, offers a promising avenue for improving treatment outcomes for patients battling this disease.
Source: Finch, J. G., et al. (2025). Kinetic analysis of boron therapeutics in head and neck cancer cells by complementary bulk ICP-MS and single-cell (scICP-MS) approaches. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. doi.org/10.1039/d5ja00228a