(Yicai Global) Aug. 14 -- Chinese scientists have come up with a targeted radiation cancer therapy to treat malignant tumors, expecting the affordable treatment option to complete clinical trials in four years.

The boron neutron capture therapy technology, developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has passed peer review, the national academy told Yicai Global. A unit of the CAS, the Institute of High Energy Physics, has started cooperating with Dongguan People's Hospital on further developing the equipment.

Japan approved the world's first BNCT device, which uses neutron beams to destroy cancer cells without affecting nearby healthy tissue, and a related drug in March.

"BNCT is a very effective treatment for glioma, melanoma, as well as recurrent head and neck cancer, and it can also potentially treat liver, lung, and pancreatic cancers," said Chen Hesheng, academician at the CAS.

BNCT is better than traditional cancer therapies as these types of treatments -- and usually only one is required -- last for an hour or so with little side effects. The total cost per patient should only be about CNY10,000 (USD14,390), said Chen. Moreover, due to the fast cycle, one device can treat more than 2,500 patients a year.

After completing clinical trials, the CAS could apply for a permit to bring the medical device onto the market, Chen added.

Editor: Emmi Laine