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3D Printed Moulds for Brachytherapy in Pediatric Head-Neck Rhabdomyosarcomas

Hodes, S.M. (2024) 3D Printed Moulds for Brachytherapy in Pediatric Head-Neck Rhabdomyosarcomas.

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Abstract:Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas in children, often affecting the head and neck region. The standard treatment protocol involves a multimodal approach involving systemic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and potentially surgery. The AMORE procedure replaces external beam radiotherapy with brachytherapy using customized moulds. Despite the benefits of brachytherapy, the current 3D-printed moulds used in the AMORE procedure present limitations. These pre-designed moulds lack the flexibility to adapt to intraoperative changes, often necessitating supplementary materials for a proper fit. This thesis addresses this limitation of pre-designed 3D-printed moulds by proposing the development of an adjustable mould made exclusively through 3D printing. The new design aims to eliminate the need for supplementary materials while maintaining treatment standards. A retrospective study was conducted to assess the performance of the current moulds based on dose distribution and fit. This provided a baseline for the development of adjustable moulds. The requirements for these new moulds were formulated based on insights from this study. The design phase involved systematic steps such as mind mapping, morphological overview, and Harris profiles for concept selection. Prototyping determined the final dimensions and margins, and the final designs were tested for compliance with the established requirements. The results indicate that the new adjustable moulds meet the necessary standards for dose distribution and fit. However, challenges remain in ensuring the robustness of in-vivo assembly and addressing variability in printer output. While the proposed design meets many clinical requirements, further research is needed to refine the materials and methods used, ensure compliance with medical device regulations, and enhance overall reliability. In conclusion, while the new adjustable moulds represent a promising advancement, further studies are essential to fully realize their potential and ensure they provide consistent, high-quality results.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:TNW: Science and Technology
Programme:Technical Medicine MSc (60033)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/102392
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