Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Versus Conventional Radiotherapy in Diffuse Brainstem Glioma in Children

In lack of open study protocols aiming to increase cure rate in pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), the investigators examined a hypofractionated radiotherapy regimen up to a dose of 39Gy in 13 fractions, completed in 2.5-3 weeks, instead of 6 weeks.

This schedule offers a reduction in patient burden, especially preferable in children with a poor compliance and performance status. The non-inferiority of the hypofractionated regimen in its clinical end-results, with the reduction of the overall treatment time to less than its half will decrease the burden for the patient, his/her family and the treating department. This will be considered as added value without compromising the survival or increasing side effects.

Inclusion criteria

• Newly diagnosed patients with a diffuse intrinsic brainstem glioma, ages 3-18years, were eligible for this protocol.
• Patients were required to have symptoms for less than 3 months and at least two findings of the neurologic triad: cranial nerve deficits, ataxia, or long tract signs.
• No performance criteria were required for entry onto the study.
• The diagnosis of DIPG based on a high-quality, gadolinium- enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan containing at least T1, T2 MRIs with gadolinium contrast in three series, as well as diffusion imaging.
• Symptoms & signs of less than 3 months duration

Exclusion criteria

• Children were not eligible if they had received any prior therapy other than steroid
• The diagnosis of exophytic brainstem glioma