Treatment of common pediatric CNS malignancies with proton therapy

Radiation therapy plays an important role in the management of pediatric CNS malignancies. With the improving outcomes of these patients, the potential risk of late toxicities present with current radiation therapy techniques (i.e., 3D-CRT, IMRT, VMAT) has become apparent. Proton therapy (PRT), due to its unique physical characteristics, provides an advantage in reducing unintended dose to normal tissue structures, and the resultant acute and late side effects of this dose "bath". In this review we will highlight the current standards of care, and the benefits achieved with using PRT in treating common childhood CNS tumors.