Proton therapy highly effective in esophageal cancer compared to proton therapy: JAMA
Esophageal cancer is a tremendous challenge to global health and is potentially reported to be one of the malignant tumors of the digestive tract. It is known to be the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.
A recent study in JAMA Network aimed to evauate whether proton was associated with better efficacy and safety outcomes, including dosimetric, prognosis, and toxic effects outcomes, compared with photon therapy and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of proton therapy singly. These findings suggest that proton therapy may be more effective and safer than photon therapy for patients with esophageal cancer.
The study reports meta-analysis including 45 studies, proton therapy was associated with significantly reduced irradiation doses to organs at risk, and the incidence of grade 2 or higher radiation pneumonitis and pericardial effusion and grade 4 or higher lymphocytopenia. Photon therapy was associated with poor overall survival [OS], progression-free survival [PFS], compared with proton therapy.
Researchers conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SinoMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases was conducted for articles published through November 25, 2021, and updated to March 25, 2023. For the comparison of proton and photon therapy, studies including dosimetric, prognosis, and associated toxic effects outcomes were included. The separate evaluation of proton therapy evaluated the same metrics. If I2 was greater than 50%, the random-effects model was selected. This meta-analysis is reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.