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NCI Drug Dictionary


boronophenylalanine-fructose complex 
A boronated phenylalanine complexed with fructose to increase its solubility. When exposed to neutron irradiation, boronophenylalanine absorbs neutrons and self-destructs releasing short-range alpha radiation and 'recoil' lithium in tumor cells, resulting in alpha radiation-induced tumor cell death. This highly selective, localized radiotargeting of tumor cells, known as boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), spares adjacent normal tissues. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)
Synonym:p-Boronophenylalanine-Fructose Complex
Abbreviation:BPA-F