Low-density 3D-printed boluses with honeycomb infill in radiotherapy

Abstract

PurposeDosimetric characteristics of 3D-printed plates using different infill percentage and materials was the purpose of our study. MethodsTest plates with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% honeycomb structure infill were fabricated using TPU and PLA polymers. The Hounsfield unit distribution was determined using a Python script. Percentage Depth Dose (PDD) distribution in the build-up region was measured with the Markus plane-parallel ionization chamber for an open 10x10 cm2 field of 6 MV. PDD was measured at a depth of 1 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm. Measurements were compared with Eclipse treatment planning system calculations using AAA and Acuros XB algorithms. ResultsThe mean HU for CT scans of 3D-printed TPU plates increased with percentage infill increase from −739 HU for 5% to −399 HU for 20%. Differences between the average HU for TPU and PLA did not exceed 2% for all percentage infills. Even using a plate with the lowest infill PDD at 1 mm depth increase from 44.7% (without a plate) to 76.9% for TPU and 76.6% for PLA. Infill percentage did not affect the dose at depths greater than 5 mm. Differences between measurements and TPS calculations were less than 4.1% for both materials, regardless of the infill percentage and depth. ConclusionsThe use of 3D-printed light boluses increases the dose in the build-up region, which was shown based on the dosimetric measurements and TPS calculations.