The incidence of second brain tumors related to cranial irradiation. Issue 3 (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marta, Gustavo Nader; Murphy, Erin; Chao, Samuel; Yu, Jennifer S; Suh, John H
• Is Part Of: Expert review of anticancer therapy. Volume 15:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 295
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2015.989839
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7140

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Secondary brain tumor (SBT) is a devastating complication of cranial irradiation (CI). We reviewed the literature to determine the incidence of SBT as related to specific radiation therapy (RT) treatment modalities. The relative risk of radiation-associated SBT after conventional and conformal RT is well established and ranges from 5.65 to 10.9; latent time to develop second tumor ranges from 5.8 to 22.4 years, depending on radiation dose and primary disease. Theories and dosimetric models suggest that intensity-modulated radiation therapy may result in an increased risk of SBT, but clinical evidence is limited. The incidence of stereotactic radiosurgery-related SBT is low. Initial data suggest that no increased risk from proton therapy and dosimetric models predict a lower incidence of SBT compared with photons. In conclusion, the incidence of SBT related to CI is low. Longer follow-up is needed to clarify the impact of intensity-modulated radiation therapy, proton therapy and other developing technologies.</p> </abstract>