Boronophenylalanine B-10

Description

Boronophenylalanine B-10 is a boronophenylalanine and boron (boron-10) carrier for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) with potential anti-tumour activity. Upon administration, boron flange (10B) is mainly taken up by tumour cells. When irradiated with neutrons, boron flange (10B) absorbs neutrons and self-destructs, releasing short-range alpha radiation and "recoil" lithium in the tumour cells, leading to alpha radiation-induced tumour cell death. This highly selective local radio-targeting of tumour cells spares adjacent normal tissue.

Uses

Borofalan (10B) should be used in combination with BNCT for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced or locally recurrent head and neck cancer.

Synthesis

The starting material for the synthesis of Borofalan (10B) starts with (S)-N-Boc-4-iodophenylalanine (compound 230), which is easily obtained by Boc protection of (S)-4-iodophenylalanine (compound 229). Next, borylation is performed via a metal-halogen exchange reaction. After borylation, the reaction is quenched using tributyl borate. Finally, a Boc deprotection step is performed to obtain the final Borofalan (10B).