Particle therapy for central nervous system tumors in pediatric and adult patients

Radiation therapy has an established role in the treatment of many primary brain and spine tumors, both in adults and in children. However, adverse effects of radiotherapy arise when normal tissue is irradiated. As survival rates increase, limiting radiation-associated toxicities and thereby improving quality of life after treatment has become an increasing concern. Charged particles, such as protons and carbon ions, have unique physical properties, which differ from conventional photon-based treatments. These physical properties allow for superior dose-distributions, most notably sparing of normal tissues from unnecessary radiation exposure. In this review, we highlight the potential advantages of particle therapy in the treatment of central nervous system tumors in adults and children.