Feasibility Study of Using Custom 3D-Printed Bismuth Shields in Electron Beam Treatment
This project involves the dosimetric evaluation of bismuth-based 3D filament as an alternative to lead sheets in electron beam therapy (EBT). Low-energy electron beams (6-9 MeV) are often used to irradiate tumors and external shields are necessary to minimize radiation exposure to non-treatment areas of a patient’s body. We aim to explore the possibility of replacing lead sheets with custom 3D-printed shields that conform to a person’s body and effectively protect non-treatment areas against radiation. Using 3D scanning technology to derive a scan of the patient’s face or body, the shields may be created in computer software and 3D-printed out of high-density shielding material such as bismuth or tungsten.
Supervisor: Brian OvershinerDepartment: Radiation Oncology, Simon Cancer Center, 3D Innovations Lab