Protons vs Photons for Brain and Skull Base Tumors

Safia K Ahmed; Paul D Brown; Robert L Foote

doi:10.1016/j.semradonc.2017.11.001

Protons vs Photons for Brain and Skull Base Tumors

Semin Radiat Oncol. 2018 Apr;28(2):97-107. doi: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2017.11.001.

Authors

Safia K Ahmed¹, Paul D Brown², Robert L Foote¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
² Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Electronic address: Brown.paul@mayo.edu.

PMID: 29735196
DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2017.11.001

Abstract

The physical characteristics of proton therapy result in steeper dose gradients and superior dose conformality compared to photon therapy. These properties render proton therapy ideal for skull base tumors requiring dose escalation for optimal tumor control, and may also be beneficial for brain tumors as a means of mitigating radiation-related adverse effects. This review summarizes the literature regarding the role of proton therapy compared to photon therapy in the treatment of adult brain and skull base tumors.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
Humans
Photons / therapeutic use*
Proton Therapy* / methods*
Radiation Oncology / methods*
Radiometry / methods
Radiotherapy Dosage
Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / methods
Skull Base Neoplasms / radiotherapy*

Substances

Protons