Radiotherapeutic characteristics of pediatric cancer

Abstract

Pediatric cancer radiotherapy has a unique background, compared with that of adult radiotherapy. The management of pediatric cancer developed through single-arm prospective studies. Optimized pediatric cancer management includes a multidisciplinary approach, multidrug treatment, and radiotherapy. Organ preservation is most desirable for children with cancer. Since pediatric cancer is responsive to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, low-dose irradiation for a large target volume, such as the area surrounding the tumor or the space where tumor cells may disseminate, is preferred over margin-free resection. The dose constraint of pediatric patients, which is defined as the threshold dose administered to avoid specific adverse events, is lower than that of adults. Adverse events avoided by dose constraints include deterioration endocrinological function and cognitive function. Although these effects are not fatal or present acutely, these may affect the patient’s quality of life. Optimum radiotherapy management may be delivered if one has adequate knowledge of the unique features of pediatric cancer. Treatment approaches undergoing investigation may be applied outside of trials for pediatric cancer patients. Updating information of the trial outcomes is crucial to avoiding suboptimal treatment.