Proton Radiotherapy for Management of Medulloblastoma: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes

Sympascho Young; Kiran Phaterpekar; Derek S Tsang; Gabriel Boldt; Glenn S Bauman

doi:10.1016/j.adro.2023.101189

Proton Radiotherapy for Management of Medulloblastoma: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes

Adv Radiat Oncol. 2023 Feb 8;8(4):101189. doi: 10.1016/j.adro.2023.101189. eCollection 2023 Jul-Aug.

Authors

Sympascho Young¹, Kiran Phaterpekar², Derek S Tsang³, Gabriel Boldt¹, Glenn S Bauman¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London Regional Cancer Program, London, Ontario, Canada.
² University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
³ Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to comprehensively review all studies examining clinical outcomes of craniospinal irradiation with proton radiotherapy for medulloblastoma (MB) to determine whether theoretical dosimetric advantages have translated into superior clinical outcomes (including survival and toxicities) compared with traditional photon-based techniques.

Methods and materials: We performed a systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles reporting on clinical outcomes of pediatric and/or adult patients with MB treated with proton radiotherapy were included. Evidence quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle Ottawa scale and GRADE score.

Results: Thirty-five studies were included, with a total of 2059 patients reported (representing an estimated 630-654 unique patients). None of the studies were randomized, 12 were comparative, 9 were prospective, 3 were mixed, and 22 were retrospective. Average mean/median follow-up was 5.0 years (range, 4 weeks to 12.6 years). The majority of studies (n = 19) reported on treatment with passive scatter proton beams exclusively. Average study quality was 6.0 out of 9 (median, 6; standard deviation, 1.6). Nine studies scored ≥8 out of 9 on the modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale; an overall "moderate" GRADE score was assigned. Well-designed comparative cohort studies with adequate follow-up demonstrate superior neurocognitive outcomes, lower incidence of hypothyroidism (23% vs 69%), sex hormone deficiency (3% vs 19%), greater heights, and reduced acute toxicities in patients treated with protons compared to photons. Overall survival (up to 10 years), progression-free survival (up to 10 years), brain stem injury, and other endocrine outcomes were similar to those reported for photon radiation. There was insufficient evidence to make conclusions on endpoints of quality of life, ototoxicity, secondary malignancy, alopecia, scoliosis, cavernomas, and cerebral vasculopathy.

Conclusions: Moderate-grade evidence supports proton radiotherapy as a preferred treatment for craniospinal irradiation of MB based on equivalent disease control and comparable-to-improved toxicity versus photon beam radiation therapy.

Publication types

Review