#Finland #Helsinki #Neutron Therapeutics #Boron Neutron Capture Therapy #Helsinki University Hospital

Neutron Therapeutics and Helsinki University Hospital Unveil Revolutionary Cancer Treatment Facility

On February 12, 2026, a significant milestone in cancer treatment was celebrated in Helsinki, Finland. Neutron Therapeutics LLC and the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Europe’s first accelerator-based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) facility. This groundbreaking facility has been operational since May 2025, treating patients in a clinical setting that embodies a decade-long collaboration between the two organizations.

Attendees at the ceremony included Kaisa Juuso, the Finnish Minister of Social Affairs, alongside Matti Bergendahl, CEO of HUS, and Bill Buckley, co-founder and majority owner of Neutron Therapeutics. Buckley expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "With BNCT, we recognized an opportunity to leverage our technology for the benefit of cancer patients. The journey to this point has been remarkable, and I am proud of our joint efforts with HUS."

The facility has already treated nine patients as part of a ten-person study aimed at verifying the safety of BNCT for locally recurrent head and neck cancer. This study utilizes Neutron Therapeutics' innovative nuBeam® device, a compact accelerator system specifically designed for BNCT that enables high-throughput clinical neutron irradiation. The treatment involves a boron-carrying compound prepared at HUS, which enhances the targeting of tumor cells during therapy.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy is an advanced, tumor-targeting radiation method where neutrons activate the boron compound taken up selectively by cancerous cells. This revolutionary approach generates high-energy alpha particles that destroy tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, thereby significantly reducing potential side effects. Moreover, unlike traditional therapies that can require weeks of treatment, BNCT is administered in just one or two sessions, offering a more efficient solution for healthcare providers and a less taxing experience for patients.

HUS has a long history with BNCT, having previously treated over 200 cancer patients using a research nuclear reactor as a neutron source. The new facility enhances their capabilities, utilizing Neutron Therapeutics’ nuBeam® Suite, which surpasses previous systems in neutron flux and provides superior beam quality according to international guidelines.

The global implementation of BNCT has expanded beyond Japan—where it is already an approved therapeutic option—to countries such as China, South Korea, Taiwan, and now Finland. HUS’s facility represents a pivotal moment for cancer care in Europe, positioning the hospital at the forefront of BNCT development and application.

Neutron Therapeutics continues to innovate in boron neutron capture therapy, with their nuBeam® system leading the charge in clinical applications aimed at various types of cancer. The success of this facility heralds a new era in cancer treatment, potentially improving the prognosis and quality of life for patients battling this formidable disease.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Neutron Therapeutics and Helsinki University Hospital presents a promising advancement in the field of oncology, paving the way for more targeted, efficient cancer treatments that could redefine patient care standards in Europe and beyond.