Oncologia Clínica: Relatos de Casos

Review of Boron-Based Compounds: Advancing Cancer Therapy and Beyond

Carlos A. Cardenas

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a pioneering medical approach seamlessly integrating the precision targeting characteristics intrinsic to chemotherapy with the anatomical localization principles underpinning conventional radiotherapy. A standout feature of BNCT is its exceptional capacity to establish a significant dosage gradient, effectively discerning between malignant tumor cells and their healthy counterparts. This defining attribute forms the basis for BNCT's clinical implementation as a robust strategy against a diverse range of malignancies.

Additionally, the discourse delves into the evolution of strategies aimed at optimizing the effectiveness of boron-based interventions. A central facet of this progression involves the vital objective of enhancing the assimilation of boron molecules into tumor cells, facilitating their targeted disintegration. To this end, an array of administration routes, including intravenous, intra-arterial, and advanced targeted nanoscale delivery systems, has been rigorously examined. This thorough exploration underscores BNCT's potential not only in minimizing undue harm to healthy tissues but also in precisely concentrating therapeutic impacts within intended tumor sites.

Moreover, beyond the ambit of BNCT, the multifaceted utility of boron-based compounds becomes evident across diverse therapeutic domains. These compounds encompass mitochondrial targeting anticancer agents and Alzheimer's disease-specific imaging probes. Additionally, they extend to encompass the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome, offering new horizons for anti-inflammatory intervention. Carboranes, characterized by their distinctive pseudo-aromatic polyhedral clusters, have garnered attention as potential CNS drug development motifs, their attributes of stability, blood-brain barrier permeability, and unique structural features elevating their potential as P2X7 receptor antagonists with implications for antidepressant activity. Notably, boron-containing compounds exhibit promise in treating conditions ranging from erectile dysfunction to hormone-related diseases. These recent advances collectively underscore the remarkable versatility and potential of boron-based compounds, significantly contributing to addressing multifaceted challenges within the realm of medicinal chemistry.