Assessment of the risk of developing second tumors after pediatric craniospinal irradiation.
J Med Imaging Radiat SciJul 18, 2026 (epub)
Pedro Fonseca, Fernando Costa, Isabel Faria et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review assessed the risk of second tumors following pediatric craniospinal irradiation, comparing Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy (3DCRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). The study found that VMAT generally resulted in lower mean absorbed doses for several organs, potentially reducing long-term cancer risk, while 3DCRT showed lower doses for other organs. The findings highlight the importance of treatment technique selection.
Key findings
- VMAT was associated with lower mean absorbed doses for the thyroid, esophagus, heart, liver, lungs, pancreas, bladder, rectum, and eyes.
- 3DCRT showed lower absorbed doses for the kidneys, intestine, gonads, breast, and lenses.
- The thyroid, lungs, esophagus, and breast had the highest estimated incidence and mortality risks.
- Estimated risk decreased with increasing age at exposure and was generally higher in females.
Why it matters
Understanding the differential risks associated with various radiotherapy techniques is crucial for clinicians to make informed decisions that may minimize long-term cancer risks in pediatric patients.