The benefit of proton beam therapy (PBT) for primary brain tumors compared with x-ray therapy has not been demonstrated by randomized controlled trials. We performed a model-based approach study to evaluate the potential benefit of PBT for brain tumors using the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models complying with the Radiotherapy Treatment plannINg study Guidelines (RATING)....
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
No actionable change for audiologists — this is a radiation oncology planning study with only indirect relevance to auditory structures.
Radiation-related ototoxicity (hearing damage from radiation) is a known risk in brain tumor treatment, and optimizing radiation planning could reduce cochlear dose; however this study does not directly report auditory outcomes.
- 01Compares normal tissue complication probability between proton and photon (x-ray) therapies for primary brain tumors.
- 02Study used treatment planning guidelines rather than patient outcome data.
- 03Proton therapy is generally hypothesized to spare surrounding healthy tissue more than photon therapy.
- 04Direct audiology outcomes (e.g., cochlear dose, hearing thresholds) are not reported.
- 05Minimal relevance to routine audiology practice.
Proton therapy may have a different normal tissue complication probability profile compared to photon therapy for brain tumors.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42936426
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.adro.2026.102216.
- Journal
- Advances in Radiation Oncology
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 2b
- Population
- Patients with primary brain tumors modeled for radiation treatment planning
- Intervention
- Proton therapy
- Comparator
- Photon (x-ray) therapy
Primary outcomes
Normal tissue complication probability