Keywords
Proton radiotherapy
Efficacy and safety
Submitted : 2025-06-08
Accepted : 2025-06-23
Published : 2025-07-08
Abstract
Objective: To explore the short-term efficacy and safety of proton radiotherapy as an adjuvant treatment for medulloblastoma in children, focusing on evaluating its impact on local tumor control rate, neurocognitive function, and pituitary-thyroid axis. Methods: Thirty children with medulloblastoma who completed surgery between May 2023 and May 2024 were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group received proton radiotherapy, while the control group underwent conventional photon radiotherapy. Both groups followed a standard dose regimen: 36Gy for the whole brain and spinal cord, and 54Gy for the tumor bed. Observation indicators included the local tumor control rate, acute radiotherapy-related toxicities, and changes in pituitary-thyroid function within 6 months. Results: The local tumor control rate was better in the proton radiotherapy group compared to the control group, with no significant increase in acute toxic side effects. In neurocognitive assessments, children in the experimental group showed more stable cognitive function maintenance. Endocrine monitoring revealed that the pituitary-thyroid axis function was relatively stable in the proton group, and the risk of impairment was significantly lower than that in the photon group. Conclusion: Proton radiotherapy has significant clinical advantages as an adjuvant treatment for medulloblastoma in children. Its precise dose delivery reduces exposure to normal brain tissue, significantly reducing the risk of neurocognitive and endocrine function impairment. This therapy not only improves local tumor control but also balances the quality of life for the children, providing a more ideal treatment option. Future studies need to expand the sample size and extend follow-up time to verify long-term safety and durability of efficacy. The results of this study provide a solid clinical basis for the promotion and application of proton radiotherapy in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors.
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