Effect of Bolus Thickness-Based Base Eichhornia crassipes Powder (Water Hyacinth) on Radiotherapy Bolus Homogeneity

Abstract

Bolus radiotherapy aims to make the radiation dose more homogeneous, and increase the surface dose to the skin. Exploration of alternative materials for substitute mixtures that are relatively safer is needed to reduce the weaknesses in the use of plasticine mixtures. To develop the basic ingredients for making bolus using biopolymers in water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). This research was conducted using the method of Research and Development. The suitability of the physical characteristics of the bolus (homogeneity judged by CT number; Relative Electron Density is calculated by a formula ?b;% surface dose is obtained from TPS (Treatment Planning System) in the test and the 3 variations of the thickness (0.5 cm, 1.0 cm and 1.5 cm). The feasibility of the bolus product was determined based on the flexibility of the texture and resistance to cold temperatures. Result: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) can be used as a reference for alternative bolus materials in radiotherapy due to the response of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) to radiation Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes-based bolus has same RED (Relative Electron Density) value as soft and solid tissue in all thickness variations and has a surface dose value of ±100% for all thickness variations. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) based bolus is homogeneous against radiation and can increase the dose surface so that water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has benefits and can be used as an alternative bolus material in radiotherapy