Skull Base 2011; 21(3): 201-206
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1275636
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© Thieme Medical Publishers

Feasibility of Proton Beam Therapy for Chordoma and Chondrosarcoma of the Skull Base

Hiroshi Fuji1 , Yoko Nakasu2 , Yuji Ishida3 , Satoshi Horiguchi5 , Koichi Mitsuya2 , Hiroya Kashiwagi4 , Shigeyuki Murayama1
  • 1Division of Proton Therapy, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Nagaizumi, Shizuoka
  • 2Division of Neurosurgery, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Nagaizumi, Shizuoka
  • 3Division of Pediatrics, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Nagaizumi, Shizuoka
  • 4Division of Ophthalmology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Nagaizumi, Shizuoka
  • 5Division of Neurosurgery, Ako-City Hospital, Ako, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
25 March 2011 (online)

ABSTRACT

We explored the general feasibility of proton beam therapy for chordoma and chondrosarcoma of the skull base. Clinical records and treatment-planning data of patients with the pathological diagnosis of chordoma or chondrosarcoma were examined. Proton beam therapy was administered for gross tumor mass as well as microscopic residual disease after surgery. The prescribed dose was determined to maximize the coverage of the target and to not exceed predefined constraints for the organs at risk. Eight cases of chordoma and eight cases of chondrosarcoma were enrolled. The median tumor volume was 40 cm3 (range, 7 to 546 cm3). The prescribed dose ranged from 50 to 70 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]), with a median of 63 Gy RBE. The median follow-up duration was 42 months (range 9 to 80 months). The overall survival rate was 100%, and the local control rate at 3 years of chordoma and chondrosarcoma were 100% and 86%. None of the patients developed radiation-induced optic neuropathy, brain stem injury, or other severe toxicity. Proton beam therapy is generally feasible for both chordoma and chondrosarcoma of the skull base, with excellent local control and survival rates.

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Hiroshi FujiM.D. Ph.D. 

Proton Therapy Division, Shizuoka Cancer Center

1007 Shimonagakubo, Nagaizumi, Shizuoka 411-8777, Japan

Email: h.fuji@scchr.jp