Docket #: S19-067

Non-toxic 3D printed device for improving precision in electron beam radiotherapy

Stanford researchers have developed a simple and non-toxic method for more streamlined and precise electron beam radiotherapy using 3D printed electron field shaping devices. These 3D-printed cutouts can provide more accurate electron radiotherapy with reduced toxicity, labor, and cost compared to traditional Cerrobend methods.
3D printed designs for electron cutout have been demonstrated to accurately reproduce the dose profiles compared to that of Cerrobend cutouts. This method removes toxic material from the clinic, reduces manual labor, and provides improved reproduction of the field placement and field shape compared to Cerrobend. Given the current rapid rate of development of 3D printing, it is expected that these technologies will be dramatically improved in the coming years, giving yet more convenience, speed, and precision. This increased precision, in concert with other recent developments, such as modulating electron bolus, opens up new opportunities for advancing electron radiotherapy.

Figure

Figure description - Fig 1. 3D printed cutouts provide more accurate field shaping.
(A) The planned (black line) and the measured Cerrobend outlines (blue line) have a mean deviation of 2.6±0.2 mm. Even after shifting, the Cerrobend outline (dashed line) shows a maximum deviation of 2 mm and a mean of 0.8 mm compared to the planned outline. (B) The 3D printed cutout (blue line) follows the planned outline (black line) more closely with maximum deviation of 1 mm and a mean of 0.4 mm. (C) Histogram of deviations between final and planned field shapes.

Stage of Research

Prototype tested
Demonstrated that 3D-printed cutouts can provide more accurate electron radiotherapy with reduced toxicity compared to traditional Cerrobend methods

Applications

Electron beam radiotherapy

Advantages

Enables more precise and accurate electron beam radiotherapy
Reduced toxicity, labor, and cost compared to traditional Cerrobend methods
Uses non-toxic materials – uses Tungsten to replace highly toxic Cerrobend alloys which contains lead and cadmium
Fast - 3D printing is faster than existing techniques
Standard applicators can be used to make accurate field shapes
All-digital workflow ensures accuracy and reproducibility of the inserts
Customized with improved safety through printing of patient's information and custom codes directly into the 3D printed part
Can be integrated with multi-leaf collimator (MLC) technologies