Assessment of the results and the haematologic side effects of the 3D conformal and the IMRT/ARC therapies delivered during the craniospinal irradiation of childhood tumors, in a follow-up period of 5 years

Abstract Objectives The craniospinal irradiation (CSI) of childhood tumors with Rapidarc technique is a new way of treatment. Our objective was to compare the acute haematologic toxicity pattern during 3D conformal radiotherapy with the application of the novel techniques. Materials and methods Data from patients treated between 2007 and 2014 has been collected and seven patients were identified in each of both treatment groups. The acute blood toxicity results were obtained, after establishing a general linear model, by using the SPSS software. Furthermore, the dose exposure of the organs-at-risk has been compared. Patients have been followed-up for a minimum of five years, then progression-free survival and overall survival data were assessed. Results After the assessment of the laboratory parameters of the two groups, it may be concluded that no significant differences were detected in terms of the mean dose exposures of the normal tissues or the acute hematological side-effects during the IMRT/ARC and the 3D conformal treatment. Laboratory parameters significantly decreased compared to the baseline values during the treatment weeks. Nevertheless, no significant differences were detected between the two groups. No remarkable differences were confirmed between the two groups regarding the five-year progression-free survival and overall survival, and no signs of serious irradiation organ toxicity were observed during the follow-up period in either of the groups. Conclusion Rapidarc technique can be used safely even for the treatment of childhood tumors, as the extent of normal tissue dose exposures and that of acute hematological side effects is not higher.