Particle Radiation Therapy for Brain Tumor : Clinical Application and Future Perspective

Abstract

  Particle radiation therapy using proton or carbon beams is an emerging new treatment modality for skull base tumors such as chordomas, chondrosarcomas, and meningiomas, as well as for photon-resistant malignant brain tumors. Recent advances in beam-delivery systems, research into the biological and molecular mechanism of radiation-induced bystander effect, local tumor recurrence, metastasis, and late radiation injury are all important issues for future development and clinical application of particle radiation therapy.