["Spot-scanning" proton therapy for rhabdomyosarcomas of early childhood. First experiences at PSI].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and acute toxicity of spot-scanning proton therapy under deep sedation in young children with rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS).


METHODS
Since 2004, children requiring sedation can be admitted for proton therapy at Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Villigen, Switzerland. Children under 5 years of age with RMS of the head and the trunk were analyzed. All children were enrolled in a multidisciplinary treatment protocol and prospective, standardized evaluation of side effects was performed.


RESULTS
Nine children were included aged 0.9-3.8 years (embryonal RMS in six, and alveolar, undifferentiated or nonclassified in one each). The tumor site was parameningeal (n = 4), orbital (n = 3), head and neck (n = 1), and prostate (n = 1). All children were in IRS group III. Total proton dose was 46-54 CGE (cobalt-gray equivalent). Only the myelotoxicity exceeded grade 3 or 4 (RTOG/EORTC).


CONCLUSIONS
Proton therapy for RMS in early children is feasible and well tolerated. The prospective standardized evaluation of toxicity and quality of life needs to be continued.
Timmermann
Beate
B
Abteilung Strahlenmedizin, Programm Protonen-Therapie, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland. beate.timmermann@psi.ch
Schuck
Andreas
A
Niggli
Felix
F
Weiss
Markus
M
Lomax
Anthony
A
Goitein
Gudrun
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D061766:Proton Therapy; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D012208:Rhabdomyosarcoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D018232:Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar / Q000532:radiotherapy; D018233:Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / Q000532:radiotherapy; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D011522:Protons
D011522:Protons