Although major advances have been made in radiation techniques, concerns still exist about the treatment-related acute and long-term side effects. This issue is most notable in the pediatric population because of developing organs and tissues combined with longer life expectancies. Proton beam therapy has the advantage of a reduced dose of radiation with less scatter to normal tissue, which may lead to fewer adverse side effects.
AT A GLANCE: Many pediatric patients with cancer receive radiation therapy.Radiation treatments can cause significant acute and long-term side effects.Proton beam therapy reduces radiation scatter to normal tissues and may decrease acute and late toxicities.