Pediatric Proton Therapy: Patterns of Care across the United States

• DOI: 10.14338/ijpt.13.00009.1
• Publication Date: 2014-08-22T20:34:20Z
• Authors: Andrew L Chang; Toruun I. Yock; Anita Mahajan; Christine Hill-Ka...; Sameer Keole; Lilia Loredo; Oren Cahlon; Kevin P. McMullen; William Hartsell; Daniel J. Indelicato
• Keywords: Ependymoma; Craniopharyngioma; Pediatric cancer

Children are particularly prone to the late side effects of normal tissue irradiation. For this reason, pediatric solid tumors a commonly cited indication for proton therapy worldwide. The aim survey was assess patterns care across centers in United States. A developed and distributed annually each clinical facility States operation during years 2010, 2011, 2012. Anonymized patient information including age range, tumor site, diagnosis were collected 18 old or younger treated between January 1, 2010 December 31, There 100% response rate from year surveyed. All facilities at least 1 year. total 694 patients 2012, an increase 613 2011 465 2010. Fifty-seven percent 2012 under 10 age, similar Anesthesia required 45% patients. six most common diagnoses ependymoma, medulloblastoma, low-grade glioma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, craniopharyngioma. In 19% originated countries outside number children continues increase, rising 33% since consistent with international perception that derive relative benefit rare technology. average is child <10 curable brain axial sarcoma.