In childhood cancer survivors, over 60% report one or more radiation-related late toxicities while half of these adverse events are graded as life-threatening or severe. Owing to the unique nature of dose delivery with proton therapy a reduction of low doses to normal tissues is achievable, and is believed to allow for a decrease in long-term treatment-related side effects.

This review analyzed 74 papers published from year 2000 onwards, and found that proton therapy provides survival and tumour control outcomes comparable to photon therapy. Reduced incidence of severe acute and late toxicities was also reported including reduced severity of endocrine, neurological, IQ and QoL deficits. This review concluded that current evidence surrounding proton therapy use in paediatric patients supports its effectiveness and potential benefits in reducing the incidence of severe toxicities in later life.