Effect of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) on normal liver regeneration: Towards a novel therapy for liver metastases

Purpose: The effect of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) on normal liver regeneration was examined in the Wistar rat. The model used is clinically relevant to a novel technique proposed for the treatment of multifocal non-resectable liver metastases in man. The success of the technique also requires that BNCT should not significantly impair regeneration of normal hepatocytes.The effect of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) on normal liver regeneration was examined in the Wistar rat. The model used is clinically relevant to a novel technique proposed for the treatment of multifocal non-resectable liver metastases in man. The success of the technique also requires that BNCT should not significantly impair regeneration of normal hepatocytes. Materials and methods: The effect of therapeutic doses of boronophenylalanine (BPA), GB-10 (Na2 10B10H10) and (GB-10+BPA) and of BNCT mediated by these boron delivery agents on normal liver regeneration and liver function in the Wistar rat was examined using partial hepatectomy as the regenerative stimulus. The end-points evaluated were body weight, liver weight/body weight ratio, DNA synthesis in terms of 5-bromo-20-deoxyuridine incorporation, hemogram, kidney function in terms of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, liver function in terms of serum albumin, total and direct bilirubin and liver enzymes (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) and liver histology/architecture.The effect of therapeutic doses of boronophenylalanine (BPA), GB-10 (Na2 10B10H10) and (GB-10+BPA) and of BNCT mediated by these boron delivery agents on normal liver regeneration and liver function in the Wistar rat was examined using partial hepatectomy as the regenerative stimulus. The end-points evaluated were body weight, liver weight/body weight ratio, DNA synthesis in terms of 5-bromo-20-deoxyuridine incorporation, hemogram, kidney function in terms of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, liver function in terms of serum albumin, total and direct bilirubin and liver enzymes (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) and liver histology/architecture.B10H10) and (GB-10+BPA) and of BNCT mediated by these boron delivery agents on normal liver regeneration and liver function in the Wistar rat was examined using partial hepatectomy as the regenerative stimulus. The end-points evaluated were body weight, liver weight/body weight ratio, DNA synthesis in terms of 5-bromo-20-deoxyuridine incorporation, hemogram, kidney function in terms of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, liver function in terms of serum albumin, total and direct bilirubin and liver enzymes (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) and liver histology/architecture.0-deoxyuridine incorporation, hemogram, kidney function in terms of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, liver function in terms of serum albumin, total and direct bilirubin and liver enzymes (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) and liver histology/architecture. Results: BNCT mediated by BPA, GB-10 or (GB-10+BPA) did not cause alterations in the outcome of normal liver regeneration, regenerated liver function/proliferation or histology/architecture. BNCT mediated by BPA, GB-10 or (GB-10+BPA) did not cause alterations in the outcome of normal liver regeneration, regenerated liver function/proliferation or histology/architecture. Conclusion: The BNCT protocols, at the physical doses selected, did not impair the capacity of normal liver hepatocytes to regenerate.The BNCT protocols, at the physical doses selected, did not impair the capacity of normal liver hepatocytes to regenerate.Fil: Cardoso, Jorge E.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; ArgentinaFil: Trivillin, Verónica Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Constituyentes; ArgentinaFil: Heber, Elisa Mercedes. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Constituyentes; ArgentinaFil: Nigg, David W.. Idaho National Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Calzetta, Osvaldo. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Blaumann, Herman Roberto. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Longhino, Juan Manuel. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Itoiz, María Elina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Constituyentes; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología; ArgentinaFil: Bumaschny, Eduardo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; ArgentinaFil: Pozzi, Emiliano César Cayetano. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Constituyentes; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Ezeiza; ArgentinaFil: Schwint, Amanda Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Constituyentes; Argentin

CAREM-25: A Safe Innovative Small Nuclear Power Plant

CAREM-25 is an argentine SMR development which involves technical-engineering solutions and several innovative design features resulting in a high economic competitiveness and safety.CAREM-25 is an integral type PWR based on indirect steam cycle withdistinctive design characteristics such as: integrated self-pressurized natural circulation primary cooling system, in-vessel hydraulic control rod drive mechanisms and safety systems relying on passive features.After years of development, the CAREM-25 Project reached such a maturity level that the Argentine government decided on the construction of CAREM-25 prototype.CAREM-25 es un desarrollo argentino de tipo SMR el cual incluye soluciones de ingeniería junto con características innovadoras dentro del diseño permitiendo grandes mejoras económicas y de seguridad. CAREM-25 es un reactor integral de tipo PWR de ciclo indirecto el cual cuenta con características distintivas en su diseño tales como: sistema primario de refrigeración auto-presurizado y de circulación natural, mecanismos de control integrados al recipiente de presión accionados hidráulicamente y numerosos sistemas de seguridad pasivos. Luego de años de desarrollo, el Proyecto CAREM-25 ha alcanzado un grado de maduración tal que el gobierno ha decidido la construcción del primer prototipo.Fil: Marcel, Christian Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; ArgentinaFil: Delmastro, Dario Fabian. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; ArgentinaFil: Schlamp, Mighel. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Calzetta, Osvaldo. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; Argentin

Innovative SMR from Argentina breaks ground

First concrete was poured in February for the prototype of the domestically-designed CAREM 27 MWe small modular reactor. This article gives an overview of the main thermal-hydraulic features of the natural circulation, self-pressurized, integral reactor. By Christian Marcel, Darío Delmastro, M. Celeste Magni and Osvaldo Calzetta.Fil: Marcel, Christian Pablo. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Delmastro, Dario Fabian. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Magni, Maria Celeste. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Calzetta, Osvaldo. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; Argentin

Combining Measurements with Three-Dimensional Laser Scanning System and Coded Aperture Gamma-Ray Imaging System for International Safeguards Applications

Being able to verify the operator¿s declaration in regard to the technical design of nuclear facilities is an important aspect of every safeguards approach. In addition to visual observation, it is necessary to know if nuclear material is present or has been present in undeclared piping and ducts. The possibility of combining the results from different measurement techniques into one easily interpreted product should optimize the inspection effort and increase safeguards effectiveness. A collaborative effort to investigate the possibility of combining measurements from a three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning system and gamma-ray imaging systems is under way. The feasibility of the concept has been previously proven with different laboratory prototypes of gamma-ray imaging systems. Recently, simultaneous measurements were conducted with a new highly portable, mechanically cooled, HPGe, coded-aperture gamma-ray imager and a 3D laser scanner in an operational facility with complex configuration and different enrichment levels and quantities of uranium. With specially designed software, data from both instruments were combined and a 3D model of the facility was generated that also identified locations of radioactive sources. This paper provides an overview of the technology, describes the measurements, discusses the various safeguards scenarios addressed, and presents results of experimentsJRC.E.9-Nuclear security (Ispra

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for the treatment of spontaneous nasal planum squamous cell carcinoma in felines

Recently, Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) was successfully applied to treat experimental squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the hamster cheek pouch mucosa, with no damage to normal tissue. It was also shown that treating spontaneous nasal planum SCC in terminal feline patients with low dose BNCT is safe and feasible. In an extension of this work, the present study aimed at evaluation of the response of tumor and dose-limiting normal tissues to potentially therapeutic BNCT doses. Biodistribution studies with 10B-boronophenylalanine (BPA enriched in 10B) as a 10B carrier were performed on three felines that showed advanced nasal planum SCC without any standard therapeutic option. Following the biodistribution studies, BNCT mediated by 10BPA was done using the thermalized epithermal neutron beam at the RA-6 Nuclear Reactor. Follow-up included clinical evaluation, assessment of macroscopic tumor and normal tissue response and biopsies for histopathological analysis. The treated animals did not show any apparent radiation-induced toxicity. All three animals exhibited partial tumor control and an improvement in clinical condition. Enhanced therapeutic efficacy was associated with a high 10B content of the tumor and a small tumor size. BNCT is therefore believed to be potentially effective in the treatment of spontaneous SCC. However, improvement in targeting 10B into all tumor cells and delivering a sufficient dose at a greater depth are still required for the treatment of deep-seated, large tumors. Future studies are needed to evaluate the potential efficacy of the dual mode cellular (e.g. BPA-BNCT) and vascular (e.g. GB-10-BNCT) targeting protocol in a preclinical scenario, employing combinations of 10B compounds with different properties and complementary uptake mechanisms.Fil: Trivillin, Verónica Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia de Área de Aplicaciones de la Tecnología Nuclear. Departamento de Radiobiología; ArgentinaFil: Heber, Elisa Mercedes. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia de Área de Aplicaciones de la Tecnología Nuclear. Departamento de Radiobiología; ArgentinaFil: Rao, Mónica. Veterinary Oncology Center; ArgentinaFil: Cantarelli, María A.. Veterinary Oncology Center; ArgentinaFil: Itoiz, María Elina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia de Área de Aplicaciones de la Tecnología Nuclear. Departamento de Radiobiología; ArgentinaFil: Nigg, David W.. Idaho National Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Calzetta, Osvaldo. Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica. Centro Atomico Bariloche. Departamento de Ingeniería Nuclear; ArgentinaFil: Blaumann, Herman Roberto. Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica. Centro Atomico Bariloche. Departamento de Ingeniería Nuclear; ArgentinaFil: Longhino, Juan Manuel. Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica. Centro Atomico Bariloche. Departamento de Ingeniería Nuclear; ArgentinaFil: Schwint, Amanda Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia de Área de Aplicaciones de la Tecnología Nuclear. Departamento de Radiobiología; Argentin