Thermoplastic Bolus for Targeted Radiation Therapy

The characteristics and use of thermoplastic bolus material

A thermoplastic bolus material can be used to alter the depth of the maximum radiation dose (Dmax) during radiation therapy. It is a tissue-equivalent material, which means that it has similar properties to human tissue when it is irradiated.

During radiotherapy, the radiation dose usually “builds up” a couple of millimetres beneath the skin, instead of directly underneath it (the depth depends on the beam-energy). When treating conditions like skin cancer, you may want to alter the beam, so that the maximum dose can be located right underneath the skin, where it is most needed in this instance. The bolus material will serve as a “build-up material” and can help you to achieve just that.

The diagram below is an example for bolus use in Electron Beam Therapy. The orange region is the tumour, where you want the “build-up dose” to be deposited.

 

Diagram describing the difference between use and no use of thermoplastic bolus.

Based on diagram in “Chapter 5 Central Axis Depth Dose Calculations” (p. 46) by Dorcas Farmer

 

Thermoplastic bolus materials from Orfit are available in sheets of different sizes and in pellets. The latter is especially useful for filling up cavities, such as the ear.

 

 

 

How to use

Thermoplastic bolus sheets:

  1. Place the thermoplastic bolus sheet in a water bath at a minimum temperature of 65°C (149°F). Use a nylon mesh to prevent the bolus material from sticking to the metal parts of the water bath.
  2. Cut the sheet into the right shape:
    • 2 mm (0.08″) sheets can be cut before or after heating.
    • 5 mm (0.2″) and 1 cm (0.4″) sheets should be cut after heating.
      Tip: We recommend drying the remaining material on a flat surface so you can reuse it later on.
  3. The ideal heating time depends on the size and thickness of the sheet. When the bolus material is entirely transparent, you can take it out of the water bath.
  4. Position the bolus sheet on the mask and press gently so that it sticks, without altering the thickness. When positioning the bolus sheet directly onto the patient’s skin, use a paper sheet as a barrier to keep the material from sticking to the skin. Make sure that the sheet is not too hot before you apply it to the patient.

 

Thermoplastic bolus pellets:

  1. Place the thermoplastic bolus pellets in a cup of hot water and make sure that all the pellets stick together into a ball. Put this ball in a water bath at a minimum temperature of 65°C (149°F) to let it soften further. Always use a nylon mesh when heating bolus materials in a water bath.
  2. When the ball is entirely transparent, you can remove it from the water bath. Note that the pellets become transparent faster than the sheets.
  3. Mould the material into the desired shape and thickness and use as required. As with the bolus sheets, we recommend using a paper sheet as a barrier between the skin and the thermoplastic.

 

 

Characteristics of Orfit thermoplastic bolus

  • Variety of sizes and thicknesses: The thermoplastic bolus sheets are available in different sizes and thicknesses, so you can always get the desired result.
  • Easy to mould: The material becomes flexible when heated, allowing you to easily follow the patient’s contours.
  • Sticky material: Thanks to its sticky properties, the bolus can be moulded onto a mask and remain in the desired location. You can also stick multiple bolus sheets together in order to achieve the right thickness for your specific patient.

 

Take a look at the available sizes and find more detailed instructions on how to use Orfit Thermoplastic Bolus in the Instructions for use.

 

 

Written by Rob Martens, Bachelor in Radiation Oncology and Medical Imaging Techniques

Radiation Oncology Product Specialist at Orfit Industries.

Rob has over 10 years of experience as a Radiation Therapist in a clinical and research environment.

He provides product education in Dutch Radiation Oncology Centres and gives input and support to the Orfit R&D and Sales and Marketing team.

 

 

Contact us for more product information or find your local distributor here.

 

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