Predicting the required thickness of custom shielding materials in kilovoltage radiotherapy beams

Kilovoltage (kV) radiotherapy techniques, including superficial and orthovoltage radiotherapy (SXRT and DXRT), are widely used for treating superficial lesions such as basal cell and squamous cell skin carcinomas [1]. kV therapy is particularly useful for achieving tumour control for challenging anatomical sites, such as around the ears, nose and eyes, while avoiding the dosimetric and cosmetic disadvantages of electron radiotherapy and surgery [1,2]. The planning and delivery of patient-specific kV treatments with beams that are shaped to conform to specific targets requires the use of applicators of various sizes in combination with custom shielding (also known as masks or cut-outs) that is designed and fabricated for each patient [3].

Source: Physica Medica: European Journal of Medical Physics - January 11, 2021 Category: General Medicine Authors: Scott B. Crowe, Paul H. Charles, Naasiha Cassim, Sarah K. Maxwell, Steven R. Sylvander, Jye G. Smith, Tanya Kairn Tags: Original paper Source Type: research