Review: biological effectiveness of thermal neutrons and 10B(n,alpha)7Li reaction on cultured cells.

There are only a few reports on the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of thermal neutrons and 10B(n,alpha)7Li reactions either in vitro or in vivo. The data in this paper summarize almost all previously published in vitro data. Because only a few reactors are available for biomedical purposes, it is difficult to make a comparison of data from experiments using the same kind of radiation, and also to make a comparison of data from experiments using the different kinds of radiations. However, it is indispensable for boron neutron capture therapy to make a radiobiological analysis. More intensive study, including repair process and oxygen effect, is necessary for establishing the fundamental basis of the clinical application of boron neutron capture therapy.