Faculty Advisor(s)
Elaine Halesey
Files
Abstract
Radiation therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to target tumors while protecting healthy tissue. Tumors near the skin can be difficult to treat because the surface does not get enough radiation. Boluses are tissue-equivalent materials that help focus radiation on the tumor. Conventional boluses work well on flat surfaces but struggle on awkward or uneven surfaces such as the nose or ear, resulting in air gaps that limit the efficiency of the treatment. 3D printed boluses solve this problem because they are custom-made to fit each patient's unique body structure. This allows the appropriate amount of radiation to be delivered exactly where it is required. 3D printed boluses also save time during treatment setup while improving patient outcomes. While 3D printed boluses take longer to manufacture and require additional long-term research, they are a promising tool for treating cancers near the skin. The type of bolus used should be determined on a patient-by-patient basis, as each patient's anatomy and tumor location vary.
Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Poster
Department
Medical Imaging
Keywords
radiation therapy, cancer, conventional bolus, 3D printed bolus
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
Recommended Citation
Brdaric, Madison Elizabeth, "Conventional Versus 3D Bolus in Radiation Therapy" (2025). Student Research Poster Presentations 2025. 9.
https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2025/9