Proton therapy for pediatric tumors
A treatment that preserves growing tissues and minimises long-term side effects in children and adolescents
We have a mission: to cure childhood cancer
Proton therapy is particularly suitable for children and adolescents with cancerous and non-cancerous tumours that can be treated with radiotherapy. Minimising long-term side effects—such as secondary tumours and growth abnormalities—is particularly important in children, whose organs are still developing.
In Spain, the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR) includes this indication in its guidelines for tumours in children and adolescents.
27% of patients treated at the Proton Therapy Unit of the Cancer Center at the Clinica Universidad de Navarra, which has facilities in Madrid, are under the age of 18.
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Indications for proton therapy in paediatric tumours
Targeted treatment of the tumour using high doses of radiation improves treatment outcomes and is an option even for inoperable tumours.
Proton therapy sessions last a total of 20–30 minutes, although the actual duration of the proton beam is only 1–2 minutes. Treatment is usually completed within around 7 weeks, depending on the type and extent of the tumour.
A unit designed for children
In children up to 7 years of age, sedation is used to ensure correct positioning during treatment.
This sedation is carried out in a specific area within the Proton Therapy Unit that is prepared in a way to avoid anxiety. In addition, the parents, if they wish, can accompany the children before the sedation.
The most precise radiation therapy for cancer
Ainara was the first paediatric patient to be treated at the Proton Therapy Unit at the Cancer Centre of the Clinica Universidad de Navarra. Read her story.
Radiation Oncology
