Novel 3D-Printed Bachytherapy Device for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Posted: Thursday, September 26, 2019
According to research published in 3D Printing in Medicine, an innovative three-dimensional (3D)-printed conformal superficial brachytherapy device prototype appears to safely deliver targeted radiation to complex non-melanoma skin cancer sites at a lower overall treatment cost. In the future, the device will be used to test radiation dose distribution once radioactive seeds are loaded to it.
“The long-term goal of work such as this is to improve the ability to target irregular skin lesions, particularly those over sites like the nose or ears, by taking advantage of 3D printing technology,” noted Clara Ferreira, PhD, of the University of Minnesota Medical School, and colleagues. “A successful, clinical device will expand affordable care options to many skin cancer patients and improve patient comfort and compliance.”
The prototype was created for a patient-specific target treatment area, using a computed tomography (CT) scan to plan the device design. It consists of multiple retractable rods arranged in a hexagon and tipped with radioactive seeds. A linear actuator is used to press a 3D-printed shape insert into the movable rods, creating an imprint that matches the skin cancer lesion and shifting the rods into place to conform to the treatment site.
“The device is mounted on an automated remote after-loader, providing limited radiation exposure to operating personnel, is inexpensive to construct, and offers a unique method of conformal surface radiation therapy,” the researchers shared. Although the successful clinical implementation of such a device would be reliant on the purchase of a 3D printer, it may still result in overall lower treatment costs due to a reduced risk of disease recurrence as well as an increased chance of preserved cosmetic value, according to the investigators.
Disclosure: The study authors reported no conflicts of interest.
