3D printed copper-plastic composite material for use as a radiotherapy bolus

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiotherapy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Conventional bolus materials in radiotherapy can be thick and cumbersome.
• Custom-fit bolus is crucial for accurate superficial dose delivery.
• Advancements in 3D printing offer new possibilities for personalized medical devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a 3D printable copper-plastic composite for custom-fit bolus applications.
• To assess the superficial dose enhancement provided by this novel bolus material.
• To compare the performance of the 3D printed bolus with conventional materials.

Main Methods:

• Copper-plastic composite material was 3D printed in various thicknesses (0.4-0.8 mm).
• Superficial dose measurements were conducted using an ionization chamber and radiochromic film.
• A custom bolus was designed and applied to an anthropomorphic phantom for treatment planning and dose verification.

Main Results:

• The 3D printed copper-plastic composite bolus demonstrated significant superficial dose enhancement.
• The dose enhancement was found to be equivalent to that of thicker, conventional bolus materials.
• The flexible nature of the thin composite bolus facilitated easier placement and improved patient comfort.

Conclusions:

• 3D printed copper-plastic composite is a viable material for custom-fit radiotherapy bolus.
• This material offers comparable or superior dose enhancement to conventional bolus with improved flexibility.
• The use of this novel bolus material has the potential to enhance treatment efficacy and patient experience in superficial radiotherapy.