Conforming traditional Superflab to a breast with expanders yields poor results, is time consuming and uncomfortable for the patient. Variations in the volume of air gaps for treatment can result in inconsistent dosage levels between planned and delivered treatment. An alternative option is brass mesh; however, this method could increase the effective dose to the skin due to photoneutron production at high energies. Silicone is tissue equivalent, comfortable and can be constructed to achieve a high degree of conformity. However, the process of designing a custom bolus, 3D printing molds, pouring and hardening silicone for each patient is time consuming.
This study focuses on the feasibility of designing a standardized set of silicone boluses that can be reused on breast patients and provide better conformity than Superflab
and other methods, precluding the need for manufacturing a custom bolus per patient.