In modern X-ray therapy, healthy brain tissue that surrounds a CNS tumour receives low to medium dose irradiation, which has important long-term adverse effects such as cognitive toxicity, endocrinopathy, hearing loss and vasculopathic effects. Prolonged long-term survival in certain paediatric CNS tumours call for more attention in avoiding the long-term sequelae of radiotherapy. This Review discusses how proton therapy improves dose distribution and can help reduce long-term toxicities.
- Vinai Gondi
- Torunn I. Yock
- Minesh P. Mehta