[Paediatric radiation oncology in France: state of the art]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Paediatric radiotherapy presents unique challenges compared to adult treatment, primarily due to the patient's age (median 6 years) and the risk of irradiating healthy tissues in a growing organism.
• These challenges include potential long-term sequelae, difficulties with patient compliance, and complex parental management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the dedicated education and specific organizational structures developed for paediatric radiotherapy.
• To highlight the progressive establishment of standards concerning indications, quality control, dosimetry, and long-term follow-up in paediatric radiation oncology.

Main Methods:

• Development of specific organizational frameworks and educational programs for paediatric radiotherapy.
• Implementation of quality control measures, including native dosimetry collection and long-term follow-up protocols.
• Collaboration with national and international societies like the French Society of Child and Adolescent Cancer and Leukaemia (SFCE) and the French Group of Paediatric Radiotherapy (GFRP).

Main Results:

• Establishment of pioneering quality control standards in paediatric radiotherapy, now influencing European practices.
• Creation of an extensive international database integrating native dosimetry with the follow-up of potential late effects.
• Accreditation processes for paediatric radiotherapy practice have been developed.

Conclusions:

• The specialized organization and quality controls developed for paediatric radiotherapy are essential for managing the unique challenges of treating young patients.
• These initiatives, including comprehensive data collection and long-term follow-up, are setting European standards and advancing clinical and translational research in the field.