Purpose Proton therapy can allow for superior avoidance of normal tissues. A widespread
consensus has been reached that proton therapy should be used for patients with curable
pediatric brain tumor to avoid critical central nervous system structures. Brainstem necrosis
is a potentially devastating, but rare, complication of radiation. Recent reports of brainstem
necrosis after proton therapy have raised concerns over the potential biological differences
among radiation modalities. We have summarized findings from the National Cancer …