B8.5

Boron Research

56 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 8.5/10

Efficacy and safety of boron neutron capture therapy for locally recurrent head and neck cancer

Sun X et al. • Critical reviews in oncology/hematology (2026)

BNCT has shown favorable efficacy and safety in LRHNC.

The ORR was 70 % (95 % CI: 65 %-75 %; P = 0.8187) and the 2-year OS rate was 45 % (95 % CI: 39 %-50 %; P < 0.0001).
The ORR of patients with non-squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC) was higher than those with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (82 % vs. 72 %), while the 2-year OS rates were similar (50 % vs. 49 %).
The most frequent acute AEs included hyperamylasemia (75 %, 95 % CI: 70 %-80 %), alopecia (61 %, 95 % CI: 55 %-67 %), and submandibular gland inflammation (61 %, 95 % CI: 49 %-72 %).

Meta-Analysisn=361

DOI

Efficacy and safety of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: a systematic review

Younous K et al. • International journal of radiation biology (2024)

BNCT shows substantial promise as a treatment modality for multiple cancer types, offering potential benefits with acceptable safety profiles.

BNCT shows substantial promise as a treatment modality for multiple cancer types, offering potential benefits with acceptable safety profiles.
Nonetheless, further research is essential to refine its clinical application and ensure consistent safety and efficacy.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Systematic Reviewn=925

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Charged particle radiotherapy for thyroid cancer. A systematic review

Ciccone LP et al. • Critical reviews in oncology/hematology (2024)

Preclinical research focused on BNCT in ATC mouse models, showing promising local control rates.

Preclinical research focused on BNCT in ATC mouse models, showing promising local control rates.
Clinical studies explored proton, neutron, or photon radiotherapy, reporting favorable outcomes and manageable toxicity.
While PT shows promise supported by biological rationale, further research is necessary to clarify its role and potential combination with systemic treatments in TC management.Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V.

Systematic Reviewn=471

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Unveiling Cellular Responses and Underlying Immune Effects Induced by Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Mao H et al. • International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics (2025)

In this review, we integrate the latest studies to provide a comprehensive and detailed description of the direct and indirect mechanisms by which BNCT induces cell killing, as well as the subseque...

In this review, we integrate the latest studies to provide a comprehensive and detailed description of the direct and indirect mechanisms by which BNCT induces cell killing, as well as the subsequent cellular responses.
More importantly, we propose that BNCT exhibits a stronger immunologic foundation and immunogenicity than traditional radiation therapy, indicating significant potential for its combined application with immunotherapy.
These results offer a robust theoretical foundation for the future clinical use of BNCT and indicate that continued investigation of BNCT in conjunction with immunotherapy may pave the way for more advanced cancer treatment strategies.

Systematic Review

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Development and application of hydroxyapatite-based scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration: A systematic literature review

Fendi F et al. • Bone (2024)

In the domain of orthopedics, HA-based scaffolds have emerged as a solution for addressing prevalent issues like bone deformities and defects stemming from congenital anomalies, injuries, trauma, i...

In the domain of orthopedics, HA-based scaffolds have emerged as a solution for addressing prevalent issues like bone deformities and defects stemming from congenital anomalies, injuries, trauma, infections, or tumors.
The fabrication of three-dimensional scaffolds (3D scaffolds) has enabled advancements in bone regeneration and replacement, with a focus on practical applications such as repairing calvarial, skull, and femoral defects.
In vitro and in vivo assessments have substantiated the effectiveness of 3D scaffolds for bone defect repair, regeneration, and tissue engineering.

Systematic Review

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Interaction between selenium and essential micronutrient elements in plants: A systematic review

Gui JY et al. • The Science of the total environment (2022)

The regulatory mechanisms of Se on these micronutrients are also analyzed.

The regulatory mechanisms of Se on these micronutrients are also analyzed.
Based on the current understanding of the interaction between Se and these essential elements, future directions for research are suggested.

Systematic Review

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Evaluation of nutrients in bread: a systematic review

Aghalari Z et al. • Journal of health, population, and nutrition (2022)

The results of this study showed that the concentration of nutrients in most articles was undesirable.

The results of this study showed that the concentration of nutrients in most articles was undesirable.
It is suggested that optimal methods of enrichment of breads and flours be done with interdisciplinary cooperation between food hygiene, environmental health, nutrition, farmers and bakers.
It is recommended that food hygiene and environmental health researchers investigate other nutrients (including phosphorus, selenium, manganese, boron and molybdenum) in breads and other staple foods used by people to constructive and practical measures to increase public health.

Systematic Review

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The Role of Mineral and Trace Element Supplementation in Exercise and Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review

Heffernan SM et al. • Nutrients (2019)

PROSPERO preregistered (CRD42018090502).

Approximately 50% of athletes have reported consuming some form of micronutrient supplement; however, there is limited data confirming their efficacy for improving performance.
Only Iron and Magnesium included articles of sufficient quality to be assigned as 'strong'.
Currently, there is little evidence to support the use of MTE supplementation to improve physiological markers of athletic performance, with the possible exception of Iron (in particular, biological situations) and Magnesium as these currently have the strongest quality evidence.

Systematic Reviewn=29

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Multifunctional mesoporous bioactive glasses for effective delivery of therapeutic ions and drug/growth factors

Wu C et al. • Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society (2014)

Regeneration of large-size bone defects represents a significant challenge clinically, which requires the use of scaffolds with multifunction, such as anti-bacterial activity, and stimulation of os...

Regeneration of large-size bone defects represents a significant challenge clinically, which requires the use of scaffolds with multifunction, such as anti-bacterial activity, and stimulation of osteogenesis and angiogenesis.
However, there is no a systematic review about delivery of therapeutic ions and drugs/growth factors from MBG for the functional effect on the tissue regeneration despite that significant progress has been achieved in the past five years.
It is expected that the review will offer new concept to develop multifunctional biomaterials for bone regeneration by the synergistic effect of therapeutic ions and drug/growth factors.Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Systematic Review

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Dietary Lithium, Silicon, and Boron: An Updated Critical Review of Their Roles in Metabolic Regulation, Neurobiology, Bone Health, and the Gut Microbiome

Melenikioti E et al. • Nutrients (2026)

Although Li-Si-B display compelling mechanistic potential, current human data are insufficient to justify dietary recommendations or supplementation.

Although Li-Si-B display compelling mechanistic potential, current human data are insufficient to justify dietary recommendations or supplementation.
Considerable research gaps-including exposure assessment, dose-response characterization, toxicity thresholds, and controlled human trials-must be addressed before translation into public health policy.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Systematic ReviewAI-discovered

DOI

Trace elements in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tonelli M et al. • BMC medicine (2009)

Average blood levels of biologically important trace elements were substantially different in hemodialysis patients, compared with healthy controls.

Average blood levels of biologically important trace elements were substantially different in hemodialysis patients, compared with healthy controls.
Since both deficiency and excess of trace elements are potentially harmful yet amenable to therapy, the hypothesis that trace element status influences the risk of adverse clinical outcomes is worthy of investigation.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Meta-Analysis

DOI

The Preventive Effects of Boron-Based Gel on Radiation Dermatitis in Patients Being Treated for Breast Cancer: A Phase III Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Sahin F et al. • Oncology research and treatment (2022)

The boron-based gel has a significant preventive effect on several categories of RD which might be used by clinicians in breast cancer.

After 14 days of treatment, dermatitis (98.7% vs. 9.9%; p < 0.001), erythema (96.1% vs. 12.2%; p < 0.001), dry desquamation (50% vs. 3.9%; p < 0.001), and moist desquamation (18.4% vs. 0.6%; p < 0.001) were much more common in the placebo group than the intervention group.
To prevent dermatitis, erythema, dry desquamation, and moist desquamation in 1 patient, on average, 1.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-1.2), 1.2 (95% CI: 1.1-1.3), 2.2 (95% CI: 1.7-2.9), and 5.6 (95% CI: 3.8-11.0) patients need to be treated, respectively.
The boron-based gel has a significant preventive effect on several categories of RD which might be used by clinicians in breast cancer.

RCTn=76

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The effect of the boron-based gel on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: A prospective, randomized controlled trial

Şahin F et al. • Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) (2023)

The present study suggests that topical sodium pentaborate gel may help treat and decrease the grade of diabetic foot ulcers and prevent the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers.

After the intervention, most participants in the intervention group had a lower ulcer grade than the control group (adjusted mean difference (95% CI): - 0.91 (-1.1 to -0.73); p < 0.001).
Moreover, most participants in the intervention group (n = 109 (90.8%)) were treated at a higher rate than the control group (n = 5 (12.2%)) after intervention (adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 0.008 (0.002-0.029); p < 0.001).
There was no case of recurrence in the intervention group while its rate was (n = 2 (40%)) in the control group (p < 0.001).

RCTn=161

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Extended follow-up of recurrent glioblastoma patients treated with boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT): Long-term survival from a Phase II trial (JG002) using Cyclotron Neutron Source and Boronophenylalanine

Kawabata S et al. • Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine (2025)

AB-BNCT showed long-term survival benefits and acceptable safety in recurrent glioblastoma patients.

Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a 1-year survival rate of 79.2 % (95 % CI: 63.3-88.7) for glioblastoma patients, with a median overall survival of 19.2 months (95 % CI: 13.1-24.8).
The 2-year and 3-year survival rates were 33.3 % and 20.8 %, respectively.
AB-BNCT showed long-term survival benefits and acceptable safety in recurrent glioblastoma patients.

RCTn=225

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Boron neutron capture therapy for cutaneous angiosarcoma and malignant melanoma: First in-human phase I clinical trial

Kashihara T et al. • Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (2025)

BNCT with a dose of 18 Gy-Eq is a feasible treatment option, demonstrating a favorable safety profile and a high response rate in patients with primary or recurrent angiosarcoma or malignant melanoma of the skin.

The best overall response rate within 180 days was 70 % (median tumor shrinkage rate: 77.5 % [4.9-100 %]).
BNCT with a dose of 18 Gy-Eq is a feasible treatment option, demonstrating a favorable safety profile and a high response rate in patients with primary or recurrent angiosarcoma or malignant melanoma of the skin.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

RCT

DOI

A Comparison of Boron Supplement and Tamsulosin as Medical Expulsive Therapy for Urinary Stones After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Jalali S et al. • Biological trace element research (2023)

The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

No Significant side effects were reported in the two groups.
Boron supplement could be effective as adjuvant medical expulsive therapy after ESWL with no significant side effects in short-term follow-up.
Iranian Clinical Trial Registration number and date of registration: IRCT20191026045244N3, 07/29/2020.

RCTn=81

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Effects of Boron-Based Gel on Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Breast Cancer: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Aysan E et al. • Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research (2017)

Using the RTOG scoring system, we revealed that the application of a boron-based gel diminished RISR.

The FPHS score was higher in the placebo group than in the boron group, and this difference was not statistically significant (p = .079).
Using the RTOG scoring system, we revealed that the application of a boron-based gel diminished RISR.
The mechanism of action is unclear but may be related to antioxidant, wound healing, and thermal degradation effects of boron.

RCTn=47

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The efficacy and safety of tavaborole, a novel, boron-based pharmaceutical agent: phase 2 studies conducted for the topical treatment of toenail onychomycosis

Toledo-Bahena ME et al. • Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD (2014)

Tavaborole solution demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety in phase 2 clinical studies.

In study 1, treatment success rates at day 180 were higher with tavaborole 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% vs vehicle (27%, 26%, and 32% vs 14%, respectively; slope P=0.030).
In cohort 3 of study 2, 7% of patients achieved treatment success with tavaborole 5.0% at day 360.
Negative culture rates at day 180 in study 1 were numerically higher for tavaborole 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% vs vehicle (slope P=0.046).

RCTn=336

Evaluating mineral biomarkers as mediators and moderators of behavioural improvements in a randomised controlled trial of multinutrients for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Robinette LM et al. • The British journal of nutrition (2024)

An 8-week fully-blind randomised controlled trial of multinutrients for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) demonstrated three times as many children (age 6-12) had significantly improv...

An 8-week fully-blind randomised controlled trial of multinutrients for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) demonstrated three times as many children (age 6-12) had significantly improved behaviour ('treatment responders') on multinutrients (54 %) compared with placebo (18 %).
These changes did not mediate treatment response.
However, baseline urinary Li trended towards moderation: participants with lower baseline urinary Li were more likely to respond to multinutrients (P = 0·058).

RCTn=75

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Possible therapeutic effects of boron citrate and oleoylethanolamide supplementation in patients with COVID-19: A pilot randomized, double-blind, clinical trial

Akbari N et al. • Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) (2022)

Supplementation with boron citrate alone or in combination with oleoylethanolamide could improve some clinical and biochemical parameters in COVID-19 patients.

Supplementation with boron citrate alone or in combination with oleoylethanolamide significantly improved O2 saturation and respiratory rate (p < 0.01).
At the end of the study, significant increases in white blood cell and lymphocyte count were observed in the boron citrate and combined groups (p < 0.001).
Boron citrate supplementation led to a significant decrease in serum lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.026) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.014), compared with other groups.

RCTn=19

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