Three-Dimensional Printed Silicone Bite Blocks for Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Cancer—A Preliminary Study
Source abstract
Abstract
Conventional methods that have been developed to immobilize the mouth and tongue for radiotherapy (RT) in head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment have been unsatisfactory. We, therefore, developed three-dimensional (3D), customizable, silicone bite blocks and examined their clinical feasibility. For HNC patients, before RT, the 3D printed bite blocks were fabricated based on primary computed tomography (CT) simulation images. The placement of the 3D bite blocks was followed by a secondary CT simulation before RT planning was finalized. Dosimetric parameters and positioning verification achieved with the propose bite blocks were compared with conventional universal oral corks. The 3D printed bite blocks were conformal to the occlusal surface, ensuring immobilization of the tongue without eliciting a gag reflex, and an elastic and firm texture that supports opening of the mouth, with a smooth surface with tolerable intraoral tactility. The dosimetry of patients using the proposed bite blocks showed better coverage of the planning target volume and surface of a tumour bed along with reduction in normal tissue doses. Good concordance of positioning by 3D printed bite blocks during the RT course was verified. The 3D printed bite blocks with silicone might be a customizable, safe, and practical advanced technology in RT for HNC.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Head and Neck Cancer Studies · Oral health in cancer treatment · Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Radiation Oncology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 10449, Taiwan
Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
Department of Otolaryngology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 10449, Taiwan
BioMedical Development Center, Mackay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 25160, Taiwan
Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 10449, Taiwan
Department of Nursing, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Taipei 11260, Taiwan
Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
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