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Italian Journal of Pediatrics
Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Review

Proton radiotherapy for pediatric tumors: review of first clinical results

Authors: Barbara Rombi, Sabina Vennarini, Lorenzo Vinante, Daniele Ravanelli, Maurizio Amichetti

Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Radiation therapy is a part of multidisciplinary management of several childhood cancers. Proton therapy is a new method of irradiation, which uses protons instead of photons. Proton radiation has been used safely and effectively for medulloblastoma, primitive neuro-ectodermal tumors, craniopharyngioma, ependymoma, germ cell intracranial tumors, low-grade glioma, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and other soft tissue sarcomas, Ewing’s sarcoma and other bone sarcomas. Moreover, other possible applications are emerging, in particular for lymphoma and neuroblastoma. Although both photon and proton techniques allow similar target volume coverage, the main advantage of proton radiation therapy is to sparing of intermediate-to-low-dose to healthy tissues. This characteristic could translate into clinical reduction of side effects, including a lower risk for secondary cancers. The following review presents the state of the art of proton therapy in the treatment of pediatric malignancies.
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Metadata
Title
Proton radiotherapy for pediatric tumors: review of first clinical results
Authors
Barbara Rombi
Sabina Vennarini
Lorenzo Vinante
Daniele Ravanelli
Maurizio Amichetti
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Italian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1824-7288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-014-0074-6

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