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Abstract #3639

Assessment of Structural Integrity of Normal Brain Tissues in Craniopharyngioma Patients After Proton Therapy

Jinsoo Uh1, Chia-ho Hua1, Michael Lam2, Daniel J. Indelicato3, Thomas E. Merchant1

1Radiological Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States; 2Chemistry and Physics, Union University, Jackson, TN, United States; 3Radiation Oncology, University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, United States


Alteration of normal-appearing white matter tissues induced by proton therapy to craniopharyngioma has been assessed by DTI. We observed reduction of FA and increase of RD at 3 months after proton therapy in all regions of interest analyzed in this study. This result implied compromised structural integrity of white matter contributed by demyelination. However, it appeared that these changes are relatively mild compared to those previously reported based on photon therapy, and the data from 6 month follow-up suggested that the alteration has recovered. Longer follow-up with a larger number of patients will be helpful to confirm this observation.