Cotton University has achieved a historic scientific breakthrough by developing India’s first indigenous Accelerator-Driven Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (AD-BNCT) technology—an advanced, highly targeted cancer treatment particularly effective against aggressive and radio-resistant tumours.

• The newly developed technology comes from the Cotton University Particle Accelerator Centre – North East (CUPAC-NE), which successfully designed and built a BNCT-specific Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA) entirely in-house.
• This is significant because BNCT systems globally face severe intellectual property restrictions, expensive patented components, and limited access to special materials. 
• Cotton University’s innovation breaks these barriers under the Make in India initiative, enhancing India’s self-reliance in health technology.

The research, published on 12 November 2025 in the journal Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B, was led by research scholar Dimpal Saikia under the supervision of Prof. J. J. Das, with strong collaboration from leading national institutions such as BARC, UGC-DAE, IUAC, NEHU, Gauhati University, Tezpur University, and Bodoland University.

Why AD-BNCT Matters

• Highly selective cancer therapy: Uses boron compounds + neutron beams to destroy only cancer cells.
• Non-invasive and precise: Minimises damage to healthy tissue.
• Potentially more affordable than existing high-end treatments like Proton Therapy.
• Critical for tumours near vital organs and cases resistant to conventional radiation.

CUPAC-NE is also setting up a state-of-the-art 5 MV Van de Graaff accelerator facility to boost research aligned with India’s Mega Science Vision 2035. International interest, including from the Government of Novosibirsk (Russia), indicates the technology’s global relevance. A new MoU with Dr B Barooah Cancer Institute aims to advance future clinical applications.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question (1 line)

India’s first indigenous BNCT-specific Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA) has been developed by which institution?

Statement-based MCQs

1. Consider the following statements regarding AD-BNCT technology:

1. AD-BNCT targets cancer cells using boron compounds activated by neutron beams.
2. It is less selective and more invasive than Proton Therapy.
3. It has the potential to significantly reduce treatment costs in India.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 1 and 3 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B) 1 and 3 only

2. With reference to India’s first indigenous BNCT-specific Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA), consider the following:

1. It was developed under the Make in India initiative.
2. It was designed and built by Cotton University’s CUPAC-NE.
3. It relies exclusively on imported patented technology.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only