Anaesthetic management of 27 cases of boron neutron capture therapy for glioblastoma

Twenty‐seven patients received boron neutron capture therapy during craniotomy at our research reactor from 1991 to 1999. This is a form of intra‐operative radiation therapy, which uses neutrons from a nuclear reactor. There are three additional major problems to anaesthetists: boron neutron capture therapy must be given beside the nuclear reactor, with no hospital facilities; neutrons cannot be shielded effectively by ordinary protectors; and neutrons are detrimental to metal devices and especially to electrical appliances. Boron neutron capture therapy has been adopted as an effective therapy for glioblastoma/astrocytoma, but special considerations are required for anaesthesia.