A novel boron-conjugated SRC inhibitor for Proton Boron Capture Therapy in glioblastoma treatment

The ability of protons to deliver the maximum dose at the tumor region can work synergistically with boron atoms to emit alpha particles, enhancing therapy effects with less damage to healthy tissue. Protons and boron nuclear fusion reaction is the principle for the so-called Proton Boron Capture Therapy, that can contribute to high therapy efficiency by using smaller flux than conventional proton therapy, especially for radioresistant brain tumors such as glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is the most infiltrating and aggressive tumor of the brain with a very low life expectancy, ranging from 6 to 24 months. In this study we evaluated the protons combined effectwithanovelboron-conjugated compound, which is a pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivative, acting as SRC tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Indeed, this drug includes a boron cluster, that can be directed in tumor cells using the ATP-competitive mechanism of the pyrazolo[3,4 d]pyrimidine ring in activated SRC form of glioblastoma cells, achieving tumor uptake of boron for Proton Boron Capture Therapy reaction. This preliminary study showed interesting results that could offer important contributions for further experiments.