3D-Printed Bolus Alternatives in Radiotherapy: A Dosimetric Study
摘要
In radiotherapy, bolus materials are used to enhance surface dose and compensate for irregular body contours. With the advancement of three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies, patient-specific boluses that conform closely to anatomical structures can now be fabricated. This study evaluates the dosimetric performance of two 3D-printed materials, Polylactic Acid (PLA) and G − 5 Shore, compared to a commercially available bolus. PLA was selected for its biocompatibility and mechanical similarity to soft tissue, while G-5 Shore was chosen for its flexibility resembling human skin. These features make both materials suitable for patient-specific bolus applications. Samples (12 × 12 × 1 cm3) were printed using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) on an Ultimaker S5. Dosimetric measurements were performed using a Sun Nuclear 3D water phantom and an RW-3 solid water-equivalent phantom. 6 MV photon beam from a RapidArc linear accelerator was used. Relative dose distributions were obtained in water, and absolute doses were measured with a 0.6 cc PTW ionization chamber. Dose comparisons at depths of dmax, 5, 10, and 20 cm included Percentage Depth Dose (PDD), beam profiles, and penumbra widths. Compared with the commercial bolus, PDD differences remained within 2%, and penumbra width variations were under 2 mm both within clinical tolerance. Additionally, transmission measurements showed 0.16% difference relative to the commercial bolus, indicating comparable attenuation. These findings suggest that PLA and G-5 Shore are viable alternatives to commercial bolus materials. Their customizable nature may enhance treatment precision, although further validation is required for broader clinical implementation.