Nanomaterials for boron and gadolinium neutron capture therapy for cancer treatment

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death; with it may different types, it kills thousands of people every day. Various types of treatment have been developed to treat and cure cancer. Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most fruitful areas of science in cancer treatment and the nanomaterials are considered as a medical boon for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. The major approaches of nanotechnology in tumor treatment include the development of nanoparticles with less or no tissue-resistance, their biocompatibility, ability as nanocarriers for drug delivery, and enhanced energy deposition in tissue with or without the external influence of microwave, light, magnet, etc. This review presents some of the recent developments in the use of nanoparticles as adjuncts to boron and gadolinium containing compounds in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and gadolinium neutron capture therapy (GdNCT) along with the latest developments in the area of boron nanotubes (BNTs), gadolinium oxide, boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and the boron agent itself.