New radiation techniques in paediatric cancers

Despite the risk of long-term side effects, external radiation therapy remains a cornerstone of the treatment for many cancers in childhood, in particular for brain tumours and head and neck cancers. Conformal radiation has been the standard of care since several decades. However, new techniques, including stereotactic radiation, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, or proton-therapy have proven many advantages in adults, and are more and more discussed in pediatric management due to a favourable cost/benefit rate in some situations. The aim of this article is to point out the potential indications as well as the limits of these new techniques in childhood.