A modified technique for craniospinal irradiation in children designed to reduce acute and late radiation toxicity.
Craniospinal irradiation is an important technique for the treatment of a number of paediatric malignancies. The conventional technique uses photons for all fields and does not exploit the benefits of CT and computer planning systems. The present paper describes a modification of the conventional technique in which both photons and electrons are used for the spinal field (mixed-beam technique). Computed tomography images and a planning computer are used for the selection of field junctions, electron beam energy and dosimetry. The intention of the technique is to reduce radiotherapy toxicity. A discussion of the potential benefits is presented.
Phillips
Claire
C
Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Claire.Phillips@petermac.org
Willis
David
D
Cramb
Jim
J
Chicas-Angulo
Franc
F
Sexton
Maree
M
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002648:Child; D004583:Electrons; D006801:Humans; D017785:Photons; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed