[Particle radiotherapy for malignant gliomas].

Particle radiations using protons or carbons, and boron neutron capture therapy are emerging as a therapeutic modality for malignant gliomas. Some non-randomized prospective studies found favorable results; however, the advantageous method of advantage of conformal radiation using protons or carbon ions and tumor cell-selective radiation using boron neutron capture therapy have not been confirmed. In a recent clinical trial involving 20 newly diagnosed glioblastomas at the Proton Medical Research Center at Tsukuba, the median overall survival time and the 1- and 2-year survival rates were 21.6 months, 71.1% and 45.3%, respectively. In the clinical trial of boron neutron capture therapy of 15 newly diagnosed glioblastomas at Tsukuba, the median overall survival time and the 1- and 2-year survival rates were 25.7 month, 80.0% and 53.3%, respectively. The rationale, history, and clinical results of particle radiotherapy for glioblastoma were also discussed.