Fujita Health University in Japan Advances Research on Expanding BNCT Indications for Deep-Seated Cancers, to Conduct 18F-FBPA PET Exploratory Evaluation

On August 10, Stella Pharma Corporation of Japan announced that it is collaborating with Fujita Health University and other institutions to advance research and development aimed at expanding Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) to deep-seated cancers. As part of this project, Stella Pharma will participate in the "Exploratory Study on 18F-FBPA Uptake Capacity in Deep-Seated Cancers" conducted by Fujita Health University.

The study will use 18F-FBPA PET to evaluate the tumor accumulation of boron drugs used in BNCT in deep-seated cancers, and based on the findings, explore the possibility of expanding BNCT indications in the future. The study plans to collect data from 50 cases, including pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and biliary tract cancer, to accumulate foundational evidence needed for the development of BNCT for deep-seated cancers.

BNCT is a radiotherapy technique that combines boron-containing drugs with neutron irradiation. The key to this technique lies in whether the boron drug can sufficiently accumulate in tumor tissue. 18F-FBPA PET is used to observe the biodistribution of the boron drug and its tumor uptake before treatment, and is expected to provide reference data for treatment outcome prediction and indication expansion.

Stella Pharma stated that the company has accumulated experience in the research, development, and production of the BNCT boron drug "Steboronine®." Currently, BNCT has been practically applied in the field of recurrent or locally advanced head and neck cancer. For application to deep-seated cancers, technical issues such as neutron penetration depth and effects on normal tissues still need to be resolved.

In December 2024, Stella Pharma signed a memorandum with Fujita Health University, Atransen Pharma Corporation, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., and Fujita Corporation to jointly promote BNCT research and development for deep-seated tumors. In January 2026, Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Fujita Health University signed a contract for the introduction of a BNCT treatment system and BNCT dose calculation program, bringing the related research into a more concrete implementation phase.

Stella Pharma stated that it will continue to collaborate with Fujita Health University in the future, accumulating data on boron drug behavior and tumor accumulation in deep-seated cancers through the 18F-FBPA PET exploratory study, and continuously evaluating the potential application of BNCT to a wider range of cancer types.