Is there any benefit to particles over photon radiotherapy?

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Particle radiotherapy, including proton and carbon ion beams, is explored as an alternative to photon radiotherapy.
• Photon radiotherapy has seen advancements like IGRT, IMRT, VMAT, and SBRT, improving side effect profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing particle RT with photon therapy.
• To assess the current evidence regarding the efficacy and side effects of particle RT versus photon RT.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of performed and ongoing randomized clinical trials (RCTs).
• Comparison of particle radiotherapy (proton and carbon ion) with photon therapy.

Main Results:

• No phase 3 RCT results are currently available comparing particle RT with photon therapy.
• Varied results exist regarding side effects when comparing proton and carbon ion RT with photon RT.

Conclusions:

• The current lack of robust evidence limits the clinical indications for particle RT.
• Particle radiotherapy is considered experimental due to insufficient comparative data, despite potential benefits.