Proton beam therapy is accepted as a preferred radiation modality in pediatric cancers to minimize the late radiation side effects. This review compared the efficacy and expected toxicities in proton and photon radiotherapy for childhood cancers and evaluated the benefit of proton radiotherapy in reducing acute and late radiation toxicities, including risks for secondary cancers, craniofacial development, vision, and cognition.

This review also looked into the cost effectiveness. This review highlights the benefits of improving the quality of life in cancer survivors, to reduce radiation morbidities, and to maximize efficient health care use.