Lightcast: An aid to planning, treatment and immobilization in radiotherapy and research

Abstract

An orthopedic casting product, LIGHTCAST II (Merck, Sharp & Dohme Orthopedic Company, Division of the Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania) has proven inexpensive, easy to handle, and adaptable to many applications which aid the radiotherapist and researcher (e.g. for immobilizing anatomical area of patient or stabilizing anesthetized animal; superimposing contour of anatomical area on treatment plan to facilitate communication and delivery of radiation accurately; etc). With the use of stockinette or Saran wrap to protect the subject, silicone cream to prevent sticking of the resin on the caster's hands, LIGHTCAST and a LAND MODEL II Ultraviolet lamp (both from the same company), and a few conventional tools (spatula, striker saw), the caster can make a mold of a patient's head in 15–20 min (curing takes 5 min). Patients are more receptive to this product than others we have available; we have acquired greater skills in casting and achieve greater accuracy in executing the treatment plans than was possible previously.