Proton beam therapy in skull base pathology

Abstract

The optimal treatment of chordomas is maximal safe resection followed by radiation therapy. Data have shown that the use of protons has increased the local control of chordomas. Because of their physical properties, proton therapy has a sharp decline at its distal range, thereby minimizing collateral damage. However, this choice of radiation therapy has been limited based on the availability of resources. Given the high cost of proton facilities and improved techniques for other forms of radiation therapy, this article evaluates whether proton therapy is still superior to other radiation techniques in the treatment of chordomas.