Evidence Mapping of Proton Therapy, Heavy Ion Therapy, and Helical Tomotherapy for Gastric Cancer

Abstract

<b><i>Purpose:</i></b> This study aimed to systematically present application situation and therapeutic effect of proton therapy (PT), heavy ion therapy, and helical tomotherapy (TOMO) for gastric cancer (GC), and to find gaps of existing studies. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Chinese Biological Medical Database were searched. Tables, bubble plot, and heat map were conducted to display results. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Fourteen studies were included. About PT, 7 single-arm studies showed median overall survival (OS) within 2–66 months and 1 study reported 40% of patients happened moderate degree of radiation gastritis. About TOMO, 1 study reported longer median OS and progression-free survival, lower occurrence of Grade III toxicity, and late toxicity compared to 3D-CRT, while another study remained neutral. About heavy ion therapy, there was no clinical study was found. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Existing studies presented good clinic treatment effect about PT and TOMO for GC, and furthermore clinical studies are needed.