Current standards and the future role of hadrontherapy in the treatment of central nervous system tumors

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Radiation therapy is vital for treating central nervous system cancers (CNS), but traditional methods have limitations, especially in cases with high risks of side effects. Ion beam therapy, with its unique properties, offers a promising alternative for more precise and effective treatment, particularly in challenging scenarios. Materials and methods The presentation given at the symposium on hadrontherapy covered relevant literature for the utilization of ion beam therapy for pediatric CNS tumors, glioma, and meningeoma, as well as its role in re-irradiation. Emphasis was placed on new beam modalities, including carbon and helium ions, highlighting their potential benefits in improving treatment outcomes. Results The results underscore the importance of preserving surrounding healthy tissue in pediatric malignancies’ radiation therapy. Proton irradiation achieves optimal target coverage while reducing radiation-induced side effects. Carbon ions show promise in glioma treatment, with ongoing trials validating their efficacy. Moreover, helium ion therapy demonstrates advantages in sparing normal tissue, making it a promising candidate for reintroduction into clinical routines. These findings highlight the potential of ion beam therapies in optimizing treatment outcomes while minimizing side effects, particularly in pediatric CNS tumors and gliomas. Conclusion Results support proton therapy for brain tumors, aiming to preserve cognitive function. Carbon ions could benefit select patients in primary treatment and for recurrent cases. Helium ion therapy combines advantages of protons and carbon ions, offering precise dose deposition and tissue sparing, making it suitable for clinical use.