Helium ion therapy (HRT) is a promising modality for the treatment of pediatric tumors and those located close to critical structures due to the favorable biophysical properties of helium ions. This in silico study aimed to explore the potential benefits of HRT in advanced juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) compared to proton therapy (PRT). We assessed 11 consecutive patients previously treated with PRT for JNA in a definitive or postoperative setting with a relative biological effectiveness (RBE) weighted dose of 45 Gy (RBE) in 25 fractions at the Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center. HRT plans were designed retrospectively for dosimetric comparisons and risk assessments of radiation-induced complications. HRT led to enhanced target coverage in all patients, along with sparing of critical organs at risk, including a reduction in the brain integral dose by approximately 27%. In terms of estimated risks of radiation-induced complications, HRT led to a reduction in ocular toxicity, cataract development, xerostomia, tinnitus, alopecia and delayed recall. Similarly, HRT led to reduced estimated risks of radiation-induced secondary neoplasms, with a mean excess absolute risk reduction of approximately 30% for secondary CNS malignancies. HRT is a promising modality for advanced JNA, with the potential for enhanced sparing of healthy tissue and thus reduced radiation-induced acute and long-term complications.
氦离子治疗（HRT）因其优越的生物物理特性，在治疗儿童肿瘤及邻近关键结构的肿瘤方面展现出良好前景。本研究通过计算机模拟，旨在比较氦离子治疗与质子治疗（PRT）在晚期青少年鼻咽血管纤维瘤（JNA）治疗中的潜在优势。我们评估了海德堡离子束治疗中心连续收治的11例JNA患者，这些患者此前均接受过根治性或术后质子治疗，处方剂量为45 Gy（RBE），分25次完成。研究通过回顾性设计氦离子治疗计划，进行剂量学比较和放射性并发症风险评估。结果显示，氦离子治疗在所有患者中均实现了更好的靶区覆盖，同时显著降低了对危及器官的照射，其中全脑积分剂量平均减少约27%。在放射性并发症风险估计方面，氦离子治疗降低了眼部毒性、白内障、口干症、耳鸣、脱发及延迟性记忆损伤的发生风险。此外，氦离子治疗还降低了放射性继发肿瘤的预估风险，其中继发性中枢神经系统恶性肿瘤的平均超额绝对风险降低约30%。研究表明，氦离子治疗是晚期青少年鼻咽血管纤维瘤的一种前景广阔的治疗方式，有望更好地保护健康组织，从而减少放射性急性和长期并发症。
Helium Ion Therapy for Advanced Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家