Experimental studies of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) using histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI) sodium butyrate, as a complementary drug for the treatment of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC).

Abstract Purpose The present study analyzed different protocols of administration of boronophenylalanine (BPA) and sodium butyrate (NaB) to increase the BNCT efficacy for poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC). Materials and methods Nude mice implanted with human PDTC cells (WRO) were distributed into four protocols: 1) BPA; 2) BPA + ip NaB; 3) BPA + oral NaB; 4) Control. Biodistribution and histologic studies were performed. LAT (BPA transporter) isoforms gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR. Results Tumor growth delay was observed in animals of the Protocol #3 (p  Conclusions Intraperitoneally administration of NaB increased boron uptake while oral administration for a longer period of time induced tumor growth delay previous to BPA administration. The use of NaB via ip would optimize the irradiation results.