[Role of radiotherapy in the treatment of brain tumors].
Tumors of the central nervous system represent about 25% of malignant tumors in children. They differ by their histological subtypes and evolution. Surgery is often incomplete and chemotherapy has not yet demonstrated its efficiency. Thus, radiotherapy (Rt), in spite of its late effects on the normal brain, remains widely used. The most severe complications of Rt can be avoided by precise multidisciplinary indications, judicious choice of volume to be irradiated, use of specific X-rays with a precise technology. Indications of radiotherapy are residual tumor after surgery and all malignant tumors, even if completely removed. The maximum tolerable doses are well known, but the volumes to be irradiated remain of debate for some types especially taking into account the risk of dissemination to cerebro spinal fluid. Overall 5-year survival rate is about 50% with great variations from one histological type to another. Brachytherapy may sometimes be useful but is a very sophisticated technique.
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Service de radiothérapie, centre Alexis-Vautrin, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries
Place de la radiothérapie dans le traitement des tumeurs cérébrales.