Appleton Child Recovered From Spinal Tumor
An 8-year-old local resident is cancer-free after receiving specialized proton beam therapy.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Cancer
An 8-year-old Appleton resident, Ivory Mentz, has recovered from a rare spinal tumor following treatment with proton beam therapy. She is currently showing no signs of cancer after undergoing the month-long procedure at Froedtert Hospital.
Why it matters
The case highlights the application of advanced radiation techniques for pediatric spinal tumors. This technology allows for precise delivery of treatment, which is crucial for young patients needing to minimize radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
In a case report involving an 8-year-old with myxopapillary ependymoma, proton beam therapy was utilized to deliver a targeted dose of radiation over a one-month period. Recent scans now show no evidence of disease following the intervention.
The players
Ivory Mentz
An 8-year-old Appleton resident and pediatric patient who successfully underwent proton beam therapy.
Froedtert Hospital
A Wisconsin-based academic medical center that provided the specialized proton beam therapy.
The details
Proton beam therapy works by accelerating protons to high speeds to target tumors directly, which allows clinicians to deliver a high dose of radiation specifically to the site of the cancer. By using this focused beam, the treatment significantly reduces the amount of radiation exposure to the rest of the patient's body compared to traditional photon-based radiation. Ivory Mentz was able to undergo this specialized treatment without the need for anesthesia.
Timeline
October 2025: The patient first experienced pain from the spinal tumor.
October 2026: Recent follow-up scans showed no signs of cancer.
Health Landscape
This recovery follows the state's recent expansion of specialized radiation oncology facilities for pediatric care. It represents a shift toward more targeted treatment options for children with complex spinal tumors within Wisconsin.
If you are managing a complex pediatric spinal condition, it is worth discussing with your specialist whether targeted radiation therapies like proton beam therapy are appropriate for your specific case. Families should work closely with their oncology team to understand the long-term monitoring required for pediatric cancer recovery.
The takeaway
The successful use of targeted proton therapy highlights the importance of exploring specialized radiation options for pediatric tumors. Parents of children facing similar diagnoses should consult their oncologists about advanced treatment centers and the specific radiation technology available for their condition.
Further reading
For more information on the latest pediatric treatment modalities, visit our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WISN.
