Improved dose homogeneity in scalp irradiation using a single set-up point and different energy electron beams.

Homogeneous irradiation of the entire or a large portion of the superficial scalp poses both technical and dosimetric challenges. Some techniques will irradiate too much of the underlying normal brain while other techniques are either complex and involve field matching problems or may require sophisticated linear accelerator (linac) add-ons such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)/electron multileaf collimation. However, many radiotherapy facilities are not equipped with such treatment modalities.

Methods of bolusing the tracheostomy stoma.

Purpose: The tracheostomy stoma is a potential site of recurrence for patients who have subglottic cancer or subglottic spread of cancer. In these patients, it is important that the anterior supraclavicular field does not underdose the posterior wall of the tracheostomy stoma when using a 6-MV anterior photon field. Conventionally, this problem is surmounted with placement of a plastic tracheostomy tube, which is uncomfortable for the patient, potentially traumatic, and can interfere with vocalization via a tracheal esophageal puncture.

Clinical experience with routine diode dosimetry for electron beam radiotherapy.

Purpose: Electron beam radiotherapy is frequently administered based on clinical setups without formal treatment planning. We felt, therefore, that it was important to monitor electron beam treatments by in vivo dosimetry to prevent errors in treatment delivery. In this study, we present our clinical experience with patient dose verification using electron diodes and quantitatively assess the dose perturbations caused by the diodes during electron beam radiotherapy.