Related Experiment Videos
Prosthetic devices within radiotherapy fields: planning implications and results.
D R Christie1, P Hulbert, P Christiansen
1East Coast Centre, Tugun, Queensland, Australia. dchristie@wesley.com.au
Australasian Radiology
|March 21, 2002
Summary
Radiotherapy (RT) can affect plastic or silicon prosthetic devices. Studies show that while RT doses can be high, these devices generally function well, with minor planning adjustments minimizing complications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Physics
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Prosthetic devices (plastic/silicon) are sometimes present in patients undergoing radiotherapy.
- The impact of radiotherapy on these prosthetics and their influence on treatment planning is not well understood.
Observation:
- Three patient cases are detailed where prosthetic devices were within radiotherapy fields.
- In vitro testing was performed on devices exposed to high single radiation doses in two cases.
- All patients received radiotherapy, with prosthetic devices receiving significant radiation doses.
Findings:
- Minor modifications to radiotherapy planning techniques were implemented to reduce prosthetic device radiation exposure.
- No significant complications or malfunctions were observed in the prosthetic devices post-radiotherapy.
- In vitro tests indicated device tolerance to high radiation doses.
Implications:
- Radiotherapy can be safely delivered to patients with prosthetic devices.
- Prosthetic device presence requires consideration during radiotherapy planning.
- Further research may refine protocols for managing patients with prosthetics during radiation therapy.