利用精準性硼中子捕獲治療（BNCT）來補救治療復發性兒童腦瘤病人

Using Precise Boron Neutron Capture Therapy to Salvage Recurrent Brain Tumors in Children

腦瘤是兒童族群（低於18歲者）固態性腫瘤好發的第1位。由於兒童病人是高度易受傷害的族群，因此治療過程有其特殊的保護考量。傳統治療策略模式主要是以手術，放射治療，藥物治療為主要方式，但是即便採用各項最新治療方式，仍有部分比例病人會面臨疾病的復發。硼中子捕獲治療（boron neutron capture therapy, BNCT）是一個新興的腫瘤粒子放射治療，透過特殊的硼藥提供與熱中子照射，可以產生高生物效益的粒子來破壞腫瘤，由於其治療的原理具有高度專一性，因此對於腫瘤周邊的正常組織有較低的傷害性。臺北榮總及清華大學的團隊，自2017年起透過恩慈療法（compassionate use）的模式，協助了25位的復發性兒童腦瘤病人接受該項治療，並獲得了一定的成效，為這個病人族群提供了一個新的治療希望。

Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in the pediatric population (those under 18 years of age). Due to the vulnerability of child patients, there are specific protective considerations during the treatment process. Conventional treatment strategies primarily involve surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, even with the latest treatment methods, a portion of patients still face the risk of disease recurrence. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is an emerging particle radiation treatment for tumors, which uses special boron agents in conjunction with thermal neutron irradiation to produce highly effective particles that destroy tumors. Because of its highly specific treatment mechanism, it causes less damage to the normal tissues surrounding the tumor. Since 2017, collaborative team from Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Tsing Hua University have assisted 25 recurrent pediatric brain tussmor patients in receiving this treatment through a Compassionate Use program, achieving significant results and providing a new hope for this patient population.