A modified technique for fabrication of custom-made afterload brachytherapy appliance

Abstract

Radiotherapy for carcinomas that involve the mouth and its related structures has been improved by the usage of different prostheses known as radiation carriers. These prostheses can accurately position radionuclide such as radium, iridium, cesium, and cobalt to allow adequate transfer of a concentrated radiation dose to a tumor region. At the same time, they minimize the exposure to radiation of nearby tissues due to rapid fall-off the radioactivity and thus minimizing the side effects of radiation. This study emphasizes the usage of a modified technique for the development of afterload mold brachytherapy appliance for squamous cell carcinoma patients of hard palate/soft palate.

High‐dose‐rate remote brachytherapy for metachronous second primary carcinoma of soft palate by iridium 192 isotope in an afterload surface mold

“…[1][2][3][4][5] High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is preferred for local tumor control and to conserve form and function in treatment of MCSPC. [6][7][8][9] A brachytherapy mold is used to carry the radioisotope as radiation source. The primary requisite for HDR brachytherapy mold is good adaptation, stability, and repeatable positioning of the radiation source at each treatment session for consistent dosimetric advantage.…”

“…Several methods of fabrication of mold for brachytherapy have been documented. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] PMMA based molds frequently carry wrought metal clasps which create disturbance in computer tomography (CT) scan during dosimetry. Gamma radiation has also been implicated to induce metal ion release and free radical formation with metal clasps.…”

“…Metachronous second primary carcinoma (MCSPC) are tumors occurring in areas close to the region of primary carcinoma, which have been detected 6 months or more after the index carcinoma is treated 1–5 . High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is preferred for local tumor control and to conserve form and function in treatment of MCSPC 6–9 . A brachytherapy mold is used to carry the radioisotope as radiation source.…”

“…The primary requisite for HDR brachytherapy mold is good adaptation, stability, and repeatable positioning of the radiation source at each treatment session for consistent dosimetric advantage 6 . Several methods of fabrication of mold for brachytherapy have been documented 7–13 . PMMA based molds frequently carry wrought metal clasps which create disturbance in computer tomography (CT) scan during dosimetry.…”