Scalp and Cranium Radiation Therapy Using Modulation (SCRUM) and Bolus

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Radiation therapy for superficial tumors of the scalp or skull often requires a bolus for adequate dose coverage.
• Conventional bolus fabrication can be complex and lack reproducibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simpler, more reproducible method for creating radiation boluses.
• To utilize readily available thermoplastic sheets as a viable bolus material.

Main Methods:

• Thermoplastic sheets, common in radiation oncology, were adapted for bolus creation.
• Two template designs were developed for anterior and posterior cranial coverage in pediatric and adult patients.

Main Results:

• Computed tomography imaging confirmed the fabricated bolus achieved good conformity.
• Minimal air gaps were observed between the bolus and the patient's anatomy.

Conclusions:

• Thermoplastic sheets offer a practical alternative for bolus fabrication in treating superficial head and neck tumors.
• The presented technique is quick, easy to implement, and reproducible, addressing challenges with traditional methods.