boron phenylalanine
(BOR-on feh-nil-A-luh-neen)
A substance used in a type of radiation therapy called boron neutron capture therapy. Boron phenylalanine is injected into a blood vessel and collects in tumor cells. The patient then receives radiation therapy with atomic particles called neutrons. The neutrons react with boron phenylalanine to kill the tumor cells without harming normal cells. Also called BPA.