What is the current status of clinical applications of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy?
As of today 47 patients have been treated in the clinical trials. Thirty-four of these were at Brookhaven National Laboratory; all of these patients were treated for brain tumors. Thirteen patients were treated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Harvard: 8 patients with brain tumors and 5 with skin melanomas. Results: There was no toxicity from componds and neutron exposure. The life expectancy exceeds that of conventional therapy. Since the treatment time is dramatically less than conventional therapy (1 day compared to 2 months) the quality of life is also better. The trials are continuing. A workshop is planned for November to discuss the future of the therapy. • What are the new directions for FY 1999 in OBER’S Global Change Research Program? Answer: The Global Change Research Program will continue to address the effects of energy production and use on the global Earth system, with primary focus on studies of climate response. The program includes research in climate modeling
