Proton beam therapy for childhood cancer in Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine

Abstract

The Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (KPUM) began to provide proton beam therapy (PBT) for childhood cancer in April 2019. The compact proton therapy system that we installed here, manufactured by Hitachi, has some significant characteristics: (i) the system can provide spot-scanning proton beam delivery with a large field size, which can provide craniospinal irradiation adequately, and (ii) it can perform image-guided radiotherapy using kilovoltage X-ray images and cone-beam computed tomography. Our proton center has two separate rooms for treatments, one of which is decorated with beautifully painted pictures on the walls to create a relaxing atmosphere for children undergoing treatment. We also have cooperative work with pediatricians when conducting PBT under sedation, satisfying the requirements of PBT from other hospitals, and so on. From April 2019 to September 2021, the total number of children treated in the center was 34. Among these children, sedation for PBT was necessary on 21 children, and craniospinal irradiation was performed for 5 children. Thus far, we have performed PBT safely and effectively. However it is difficult to conduct more than 4 sessions of PBT with sedation on the same day in our center. Therefore, it is crucial that Japanese proton centers collaborate with each other to meet the various demands for PBT. Herein, I would like to report on the circumstances of the clinical practice and future issues in KPUM.