Lay summary
Cancer treatment using non-invasive techniques is a sought-after goal that benefits the patient, their families and the healthcare system. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) uses low energy radiation to excite boron atoms that decay to high energy particles that can kill cancer cells but does not harm healthy cells. It is therefore vital to find a way to accumulate boron at the site of the tumour. Using a boron-carrying agent, that preferably targets cancer cells, would fulfil these criteria and allow BNCT to be used as a frontline therapy. Using medicinal chemistry, we will create new molecules that identify and bind to cancer cells and can be “loaded up” with boron atoms and then irradiated to destroy the cancer. This non-invasive therapy will circumvent the harmful side effects of traditional cancer care associated with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.