This systematic review and meta-analysis included 15 primary studies (5 PBT, 9 photon radiotherapy, one both) and compared PBT with photon RT as postoperative radiation therapy for pediatric intracranial ependymomas.

The results showed that 1- to 5-year OS was better for PBT, whereas 1- to 5-year LC rates were similar for the two modalities. At 5-year, for photon radiotherapy vs. PBT, the overall survival rates for were 73.8% vs. 84.7%; the local control rates were 72.6% vs. 79.0%.

Based on available clinical data, PBT at the same dose as photon RT has almost the same outcomes as photon RT for pediatric intracranial ependymomas, and that there are no PBT-specific late adverse events