[Protons and ions in the treatment of cancer; a systematic review of the literature].
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the present role of proton and ion therapy, also referred to as 'charged particle therapy', in the treatment of cancer.


METHODS
Systematic literature study.


METHODS
Systematic electronic searches were carried out in 12 databases according to the Cochrane Collaboration criteria, without restriction as to year of publication or study design. Manual searches of bibliographies and journals were also performed. The inclusion criteria were: at least 20 patients and a follow-up of at least 2 years. In addition, experts on the subject were consulted by correspondence for their opinion.


RESULTS
The search identified 36 relevant articles on proton therapy and 15 on ion therapy. Based on prospective and retrospective studies, proton irradiation emerged as the treatment of choice for ocular tumours, chordomas and skull-base tumours. For prostate cancer, the results were comparable with the best results of photon therapy. Ion therapy was still in an experimental phase.


CONCLUSIONS
According to the current literature, proton therapy is looked upon as the preferred treatment modality for certain rare tumours, such as ocular tumours, chordoma, and skull-base tumours. However, charged particle therapy as a whole, and especially ion therapy, is not supported as the treatment of choice for cancer by published evidence. Nevertheless, the potential theoretical benefit of this treatment is great.
Pijls-Johannesma
M C G
MC
Maastro Clinic, Dr.Tanslaan 12, 6229 ET Maastricht. madelon.pijls@maastro.nl
de Ruysscher
D K M
DK
Dekker
A L A J
AL
Lambin
P
P
D002817:Chordoma / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D007477:Ions / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D061766:Proton Therapy; D012888:Skull Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007477:Ions