Progresses in research of boron porphyrins for boron neutron capture therapy

Boron neutron capture therapy(BNCT) applies the high linear energy transfer radiation of α particles and 7Li ions released from the 10B(n,α)7Li reaction in pre-localized boron-containing compounds in tumor tissue.Apparently,there are two prime aspects in BNCT,i.e.the outer neutron flux and boron-containing compound.Boron porphyrins is an important 10B-carrier for BNCT under wide research since 1990's.This paper begins with the characteristics of BNCT,required properties of 10B-carrier and property of porphyrins,then focuses on the application researches of boron porphyrins from main research institutions in the field in the past two decades.This provides a useful reference for further design of better boron porphyrins.