Core Viewpoint - Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a promising new radiation therapy that aims to effectively kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells, representing a significant advancement over traditional radiation methods [1][2]. Group 1: Technology Overview - BNCT is a binary targeted therapy that involves two main steps: injecting a non-toxic boron-10 compound that accumulates in cancer cells, followed by neutron irradiation that triggers a nuclear reaction to release high-energy particles, effectively damaging cancer cell DNA [1][2]. - The "blast radius" of BNCT is less than 10 micrometers, which is smaller than the diameter of a cancer cell, resulting in minimal harm to normal tissues [2]. Group 2: Historical Context and Development - The concept of BNCT was introduced in the 1930s, with subsequent research focused on its feasibility for cancer treatment [2]. - Historically, strong neutron beams for BNCT were produced using nuclear reactors, which posed challenges for hospital applications. However, advancements in accelerator neutron source technology in the 21st century have made it safer and more cost-effective for clinical use [2]. Group 3: Technological Breakthroughs - The research team has achieved three major technological breakthroughs: 1. Development of a high-power, stable accelerator neutron source system that meets the requirements for proton beam flow [3]. 2. Creation of a second-generation boron compound with improved synthesis efficiency, reduced production costs, and enhanced quality and efficacy [3]. 3. Development of a domestic BNCT treatment planning system (TPS) that accurately analyzes and predicts treatment outcomes [3]. - These advancements position the country among the global leaders in BNCT research and development, with plans to initiate clinical trials by the end of the year [3].

Core Viewpoint - Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a promising new radiation therapy that aims to effectively kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells, representing a significant advancement over traditional radiation methods [1][2]. Group 1: Technology Overview - BNCT is a binary targeted therapy that involves two main steps: injecting a non-toxic boron-10 compound that accumulates in cancer cells, followed by precise neutron irradiation to induce a nuclear reaction that destroys cancer cell DNA [1][2]. - The effective range of BNCT is less than 10 micrometers, which is smaller than the diameter of a cancer cell, resulting in minimal damage to normal tissues and reduced side effects compared to conventional treatments [2]. Group 2: Historical Context and Development - The concept of BNCT was introduced in the 1930s, but practical application faced challenges due to the need for suitable boron compounds and stable neutron sources [2]. - In the 21st century, Japan advanced BNCT technology by developing accelerator neutron sources that are safer and more cost-effective than traditional nuclear reactors, enabling successful treatments for various tumors [2]. Group 3: Technological Breakthroughs - The research team has achieved three major technological breakthroughs: 1. Development of a high-power, stable accelerator neutron source system that meets the requirements for proton beam flow [3]. 2. Creation of a second-generation boron compound with improved synthesis efficiency, reduced production costs, and enhanced quality and efficacy [3]. 3. Development of a domestic BNCT treatment planning system (TPS) that accurately analyzes and predicts treatment outcomes using a proprietary Monte Carlo particle transport program [3]. - The successful integration of these components positions the country among the global leaders in BNCT technology, with plans to initiate clinical trials by the end of the year [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the approval and significance of the Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) system developed by Guoke Neutron Medical Technology Co., Ltd., highlighting its potential as a new cancer treatment method with advanced precision and lower side effects [1][3][20]. R&D Background - BNCT is recognized as the "fifth cancer treatment method" after surgery, traditional radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, particularly effective for hard-to-treat cancers like glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, and melanoma [2]. - The global BNCT market is estimated to be several hundred million dollars in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 10%-15% by 2030, primarily in Japan, the USA, and Europe [2]. - Japan's Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Stella Pharma launched the first BNCT device and boron drug in 2020, with treatment costs around tens of thousands of dollars per session [2]. About the BNCT System - The BNCT system developed by Guoke Neutron Medical Technology utilizes neutron and boron reactions to precisely kill tumor cells, marking the success of China's first self-owned intellectual property BNCT device [3][20]. - The device consists of a Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator, neutron generation system, and treatment room, designed to treat cancers that are difficult to manage with conventional methods [5]. Technical Analysis of BNCT - BNCT employs a two-pronged approach combining radiation and drug therapy, specifically targeting infiltrative and metastatic cancers [6]. - The treatment involves injecting boron-containing drugs that accumulate in tumor cells, followed by neutron irradiation, which leads to a nuclear reaction that effectively destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue [9][13]. Advantages of BNCT - BNCT requires only 1-2 treatment sessions compared to over 30 sessions for conventional therapies, significantly reducing treatment duration [10][13]. - The treatment's precision is enhanced by the biological targeting of boron drugs, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues [13]. Product Development History - The development of BNCT in China began in 2006 under the "973" program, with significant milestones achieved over the years, including the establishment of the first domestic RFQ accelerator and the successful installation of the first clinical BNCT device in Dongguan [14][15]. Company Overview - Guoke Neutron Medical Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2021, focusing on the R&D, production, and marketing of high-end medical equipment for BNCT [20]. - The company has successfully completed clinical device design and testing, with high operational efficiency reported for its installed BNCT equipment [17][19].

Core Insights - The event marked the third anniversary of the public open day at the Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, attracting over 1,500 participants, setting a new record for public engagement in science [1] Group 1: Scientific Presentations - Two science reports were presented, including one by researcher Zou Chao on Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), a precise cancer treatment method that targets tumor cells using boron-containing drugs [3] - Zou highlighted that BNCT is recognized as "cell-level radiotherapy," utilizing boron-10 isotopes to destroy cancer cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissue [3][5] Group 2: Public Engagement and Interaction - The event featured interactive experiments, allowing participants to engage with various scientific demonstrations, including a showcase of an electric all-terrain vehicle and demonstrations of superconductivity [6] - The public was invited to experience hands-on experiments, emphasizing the importance of engaging children in science from a young age [10] Group 3: Research and Development Focus - The open day showcased several research teams focusing on strategic basic research, industrial applications, and public technology platforms, highlighting advanced domestic equipment such as high-temperature superconducting coating devices [8] - The event included a demonstration of a scanning tunneling microscope capable of observing atoms at a scale of 0.1 nanometers, emphasizing the laboratory's commitment to cutting-edge research [8]