Proton therapy and radiation sensitivity in dyskeratosis congenita.

BACKGROUND: Patients with dyskeratosis congenita (DC) have an increased risk of cancer, but also exhibit heightened radiation sensitivity. Proton therapy improves sparing of normal tissue, and thus may reduce radiation toxicity in patients with DC.

OBSERVATIONS: We present a pediatric patient with DC who was treated with adjuvant proton therapy for oropharyngeal cancer. He experienced more severe skin toxicity and mucositis than expected. With reduced fractions per week and extensive supportive care, he completed the full radiation course.

CONCLUSIONS: Proton therapy can improve normal tissue sparing, allowing successful delivery of radiation therapy in DC patients.