Author/Authors :
Chmura, Jennifer Medical Devices Center - University of Minnesota - Minneapolis - MN, USA , Erdman, Arthur Medical Devices Center - University of Minnesota - Minneapolis - MN, USA , Ehler, Eric Department of Radiation Oncology - University of Minnesota Medical School - Minneapolis - MN, USA , Wilke, Christopher T. Department of Radiation Oncology - University of Minnesota Medical School - Minneapolis - MN, USA , Rogers, Brent Department of Radiation Oncology - University of Minnesota Medical School - Minneapolis - MN, USA , Ferreira, Clara Department of Radiation Oncology - University of Minnesota Medical School - Minneapolis - MN, USA , Lawrence, Jessica Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences - University of Minnesota - MN, USA
Abstract :
Skin tumors are the most predominant form of cancer in the United States. Radiation therapy,
particularly high dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, provides an effective form of cancer control when surgery is not
possible or when surgical margins are incomplete. The treatment of superficial skin cancers on irregular surfaces,
such as the nose, lips or ears, present challenges for treatment. To address this issue, we designed and constructed a
novel conformal superficial brachytherapy (CSBT) device prototype to improve patient-specific treatment for complex
sites. The device is mounted on an automated remote after-loader, providing limited radiation exposure to operating
personnel, is inexpensive to construct, and offers a unique method of conformal surface radiation therapy.
Results: A prototype of the CSBT device was successfully manufactured. A computed tomography (CT) scan of a Rando
phantom was used to plan the target treatment area. The CSBT device has a hexagonal lattice array of retractable rods
with radioactive seeds placed at the tip of each rod. A 3D-printed conformal shape insert with a hexagonal array of
cylindrical projections of varying length is driven into the rods by a single linear actuator. The rods are displaced to
conform to the patient’s skin. This elegant device design permits the delivery of radiation to complex targets using
readily available beta-emitting radionuclides, such as Yttrium-90 (Y-90) or Strontium-90 (Sr-90).
Conclusion: A working prototype of a novel CSBT device was built using 3D-printing technology that provides a safe
and economically attractive means of improving radiation delivery to complex treatment sites.
Keywords :
Superficial , Radiation therapy , Brachytherapy , 3D printing
