Fabrication of custom oral positioning devices in head and neck proton radiotherapy.

Abstract

With complex head and neck diseases that closely approximate crucial organs or have advanced spread and cannot be surgically resected, intensity modulated proton beam radiotherapy (IMPT) is favored due to its superior dose targeting through magnetic manipulation of the proton energy. A radiation mask and an oral positioning device (OPD) immobilize craniofacial, cervical, and oral structures for accurate and reliable radiation delivery. Widely available pe-fabricated thermoplastic OPDs are manufactured in standardized forms and materials that unpredictably affect the proton beams' pathways and range. This technique article showcases a workflow that combines of analog and digital dental techniques to produce a customized 3-D printed OPD within 2 appointments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.