Double scattering and pencil beam scanning Monte Carlo workflows for proton therapy retrospective studies on radiation-induced toxicities.

Purpose: Monte Carlo (MC) simulations can be used to accurately simulate dose and linear energy transfers (LET) distributions, thereby allowing for the calculation of the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of protons. We present hereby the validation and implementation of a workflow for the Monte Carlo modelling of the double scattered and pencil beam scanning proton beamlines at our institution.

Methods: The TOPAS/Geant4 MC model of the clinical nozzle has been comprehensively validated against measurements.

The mutational landscape of skull base and spinal chordomas and the identification of potential prognostic and theranostic biomarkers.

Objective: Chordomas are rare bone neoplasms characterized by a high recurrence rate and no benefit from any approved medical treatment to date. However, the investigation of molecular alterations in chordomas could be essential to prognosticate, guide clinical decision-making, and identify theranostic biomarkers. The aim of this study was to provide a detailed genomic landscape of a homogeneous series of 64 chordoma samples, revealing driver events, theranostic markers, and outcome-related genomic features.

efficacy assessment of the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib and the PLK1 inhibitor volasertib in human chordoma xenografts.

Background: Management of advanced chordomas remains delicate considering their insensitivity to chemotherapy. Homozygous deletion of the regulatory gene has been described as the most frequent genetic alteration in chordomas and may be considered as a potential theranostic marker. Here, we evaluated the tumor efficacy of the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib, as well as the PLK1 inhibitor volasertib, in three chordoma patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to validate and identify novel therapeutic approaches.

Management strategies in clival and craniovertebral junction chordomas: a 29-year experience.

Objective: Chordomas represent one of the most challenging subsets of skull base and craniovertebral junction (CVJ) tumors to treat. Despite extensive resection followed by proton-beam radiation therapy, the recurrence rate remains high, highlighting the importance of developing efficient treatment strategies. In this study, the authors present their experience in treating clival and CVJ chordomas over a 29-year period.

Proton therapy for adult craniopharyngioma: Experience of a single institution in 91 consecutive patients.

Background: Craniopharyngioma (CP) in adults is a rare benign tumor associated with many morbidities, with limited contemporary studies to define treatment, and follow-up guidelines.

Methods: A single-center retrospective study was conducted on patients aged ≥ 18 years from 2006-2018 with CP and who were treated with proton therapy (PT). Late toxicity was defined as a minimum of 18 months from diagnosis.