Three-year insights from a proton therapy centre: Evolving strategies in ependymoma treatment planning.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Treatment of posterior fossa ependymoma with proton therapy (PT) is challenging due to the proximity to the brainstem and potential risk of brainstem toxicity.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included patients with intracranial ependymoma treated with PT or a hybrid proton-photon (PT-XT) approach at our centre between July 2020 and December 2023 with a minimum 12 month follow-up. Treatment approach was determined based on tumour relationship to the brainstem. Patient and tumour characteristics and treatment planning approaches were evaluated, and dosimetric data between PT and PT-XT approaches were compared. Outcomes including symptomatic brainstem injury (SBI) and asymptomatic radiographic changes (ARC) were assessed.

Results

Fourteen patien

SUBMITTER: Lauwens L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12554220 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature