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Development and Preliminary Dosimetric Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Custom Tissue Compensator for Head and Neck Cancer
Chuxiang Jian1,2, Xiang Xia1, Jiazhou Wang1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment
|August 13, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a 3D-printed compensator for head and neck cancer (HNC) radiotherapy, improving organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing and dose build-up. The device shows potential for better therapeutic ratios in HNC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Achieving optimal therapeutic ratio in head and neck cancer (HNC) radiotherapy is challenging.
- Traditional auxiliary devices lack customization for modern radiotherapy techniques.
- Need for improved organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing and dose conformity exists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a 3D-printed integrated tissue compensator.
- To assess its function as a positioning stent and conformal bolus.
- To compare its dosimetric performance against conventional methods.
Main Methods:
- A case series of five HNC patients was prospectively enrolled.
- 3D-printed compensators were fabricated using patient CT data.
- Dosimetric comparisons were made with air cavities and conventional bite blocks.
Main Results:
- The 3D-printed compensator demonstrated geometric fidelity and setup reproducibility.
- It showed numerical reductions in dose to the hard palate and external surface.
- Reductions in dose to OARs approached statistical significance (p=0.063).
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed integrated tissue compensators offer potential dosimetric advantages in HNC radiotherapy.
- The device maintains setup reproducibility and OAR sparing.
- This represents a practical tool for exploratory research in HNC treatment.
