Abstract
Given the renewed interest in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and the intensified search for improved boron carriers, as well as the difficulties of coherently comparing the carriers described so far, it seems necessary to define a basic set of assays and standardized methods to be used in the early stages of boron carrier development in vitro. The selection of assays and corresponding methods is based on the practical experience of the authors and is certainly not exhaustive, but open to discussion. The proposed tests/characteristics: Solubility, lipophilicity, stability, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake apply to both low molecular weight (up to 500 Da) and high molecular weight (5000 Da and more) boron carriers. However, the specific methods have been selected primarily for low molecular weight boron carriers; in the case of high molecular weight compounds, some of the methods may need to be adapted.