Scoliosis in Children Treated With Photon Craniospinal Irradiation for Medulloblastoma.

Purpose: Scoliosis is a well-recognized complication after abdominal radiation therapy but not reported frequently after craniospinal irradiation (CSI). We examined the incidence and risk factors for scoliosis after CSI in long-term survivors with medulloblastoma.

Methods And Materials: The records of patients with medulloblastoma seen at one institution from 1996 to 2006 were analyzed for the use of CSI and development of scoliosis as documented on physical examination and spinal imaging.

Comparison of height and weight after 12 vs. 18 Gy cranial radiation therapy in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients.

Purpose: To compare the effect of 12 versus 18 Gy cranial radiation therapy (RT) on height and weight indices among pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods And Materials: Records of children with ALL who were 2 to 14 years old at the time of RT and were treated at a single institution between 2000 and 2011 were reviewed. Patients' height, weight, and body mass index were converted into z-scores using the Centers for Disease Control growth charts to normalize the values to number of standard deviations from the mean.