title: Practical aspects of pediatric proton radiation therapy.
abstract: Many radiotherapy centers desire proton therapy (PrT) because the unique physical dosimetry allows for improved dose distribution in some clinical situations. These benefits are best described in skull base and many pediatric lesions. However, there are significant challenges to PrT that are overlooked or simply ignored when centers embark on the PrT journey particularly as it applies to pediatric patients.In this review, we review the Indiana University Health Proton Therapy Center experience regarding benefits and drawbacks of PrT for pediatric patients. In conclusion, centers aspiring to PrT capacity should be aware not only of the well-described benefits in some clinical scenarios, but also the significant challenges to the modality in its practical clinical application.
authors.affiliation: From *Indiana University Health Proton Therapy Center, Bloomington, IN; and †Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL.
authors.forename: Kevin P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: McMullen
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kerstiens
authors.forename: Peter A S
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Johnstone
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D002675:Child, Preschool; D061888:Craniospinal Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009366:Neoplasm Seeding; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D033282:Parental Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D061766:Proton Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy