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Review
. 2023 Nov;24(11):e14102.
doi: 10.1002/acm2.14102. Epub 2023 Jul 27.

A quick guide on implementing and quality assuring 3D printing in radiation oncology

Michael Ashenafi  1 , Seungkyo Jeong  2 , Joshua N Wancura  1 , Lang Gou  1 , Matthew J Webster  1 , Dandan Zheng  1
Affiliations
Review

A quick guide on implementing and quality assuring 3D printing in radiation oncology

Michael Ashenafi et al. J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2023 Nov.

Abstract

As three-dimensional (3D) printing becomes increasingly common in radiation oncology, proper implementation, usage, and ongoing quality assurance (QA) are essential. While there have been many reports on various clinical investigations and several review articles, there is a lack of literature on the general considerations of implementing 3D printing in radiation oncology departments, including comprehensive process establishment and proper ongoing QA. This review aims to guide radiation oncology departments in effectively using 3D printing technology for routine clinical applications and future developments. We attempt to provide recommendations on 3D printing equipment, software, workflow, and QA, based on existing literature and our experience. Specifically, we focus on three main applications: patient-specific bolus, high-dose-rate (HDR) surface brachytherapy applicators, and phantoms. Additionally, cost considerations are briefly discussed. This review focuses on point-of-care (POC) printing in house, and briefly touches on outsourcing printing via mail-order services.

Keywords: 3D printing; additive manufacturing; bolus; quality assurance; radiation oncology; skin brachytherapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest to report.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Main steps of a 3D printing workflow demonstrating file formats and example software.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
A typical workflow for direct 3D bolus fabrication using in house printing.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
A typical workflow for 3D bolus fabrication via outsourcing printing to a third‐party mail‐order service.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
A typical workflow for 3D‐printed HDR surface brachytherapy applicator fabrication.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
A workflow for 3D‐printed HDR surface brachytherapy applicator fabrication using Adaptiiv software.
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 6
A typical workflow for fabrication of 3D printed anthropomorphic phantoms.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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