Brachytherapy in paediatric malignancies - review of indications

Paediatric malignancies are relatively rare, with an annual frequency of 13-14 in 100 000 children up to 15 years, and account for less than 1% of all cancer in developed countries. Paediatric tumours are generally managed with a multi-modality treatment programme that includes surgery, chemotherapy, and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Treatment strategies directed towards the reduction of late side effects have significantly increased interest in brachytherapy, in particular of soft tissue sarcoma and clear cell adenocarcinoma, as in these malignancies often only a limited target volume needs to be treated by a significant radiation dose. Current indications for brachytherapy in paediatric malignancies are presented briefly in this study.