Comparison of Proton Beam and Photons Beam in the Radiotherapy of NPC

Purpose: In radiotherapy of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the randomized controlled trials of proton and photon therapy treatment is less. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the dosimetry superiority of the proton beam and photons beam for NPC. Method: Clinical trails of dosimetry comparison between proton beam and photons beam for NPC are retrieved from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, CNKI, WFD, UCDRS, SinoMed. Results: three literatures were included in this study, through the comparison of proton therapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy. Spinal cord (MD=-4.14, 95%CI: -6.37, -1.91, P=0.0003); Brainstem (MD=-14.84, 95%CI: -21.76, -7.92, P<;0.0001); Ipsilateral parotid gland (MD=-6.38, 95%CI: -8.27, -4.50, P<;0.00001); Contralateral parotid gland (MD=-6.37, 95%CI: -7.31, -5.42, P<;0.00001). Conclusion: Compared with the traditional photon radiation therapy, proton therapy has obvious advantage in reducing dose of the organs at risk.