Rotational total skin electron irradiation with a linear accelerator

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Total skin electron irradiation (TSEI) is crucial for treating widespread skin conditions.
• Advancements in linear accelerators necessitate technique modifications for TSEI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and validate the modified rotational total skin electron irradiation (RTSEI) technique.
• To assess the dosimetric characteristics of the new RTSEI setup.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Varian 21EX linear accelerator with a 6 MeV high dose rate mode and a custom flattening filter.
• Employed ionization chambers, radiochromic film, and MOSFET detectors for dosimetry.
• Evaluated stationary beam properties, full rotation effects, and dose distribution in a humanoid phantom.

Main Results:

• Characterized dosimetric properties of the modified RTSEI technique.
• Confirmed dose distributions and evaluated effects of patient rotation.
• Established parameters for the current treatment technique and dose regimen.

Conclusions:

• The developed RTSEI technique is suitable for clinical application.
• The modifications ensure accurate and effective total skin electron therapy.
• Further validation supports its use in treating skin malignancies.