RESUMEN
PURPOSE: A bolus is usually required to ensure radiation dose coverage of extensive superficial tumors of the scalp or skull. Oftentimes, these boluses are challenging to make and are nonreproducible, so an easier method was sought. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thermoplastic sheets are widely available in radiation oncology clinics and can serve as bolus. Two template cutouts were designed for anterior and posterior halves to encompass the cranium of children and adults. RESULTS: The created bolus was imaged using computed tomography, which demonstrated good conformity and minimal air gaps. CONCLUSIONS: Although making a bolus for treating superficial tumors of the scalp or head and neck is challenging, the presented technique enables thermoplastic to be used as a bolus and is quick, easy, and reproducible.
RESUMEN
PURPOSE: Our purpose was to describe an adaptation of a commercially available mouthpiece for vacuum-assisted mouthpiece immobilization for radiation therapy in infants. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An infant diagnosed with a brain tumor required radiation therapy. After reviewing dental literature about obturators, we designed a modification for the smallest commercially available mouthpiece tray. RESULTS: The patient was simulated with the adapted mouthpiece tray. We achieved excellent immobilization and had small daily image guided treatment position shifts. Our patient tolerated treatment well without injury to oral cavity or mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Head immobilization with a vacuum-assisted modified mouthpiece has not been described in infants. Our modification is a novel and safe and permits effective and accurate immobilization for infants for radiation therapy. New manufacturing technologies may allow creation of individualized mouthpieces.