Evaluating the performance of thermoplastic 3D bolus used in radiation therapy

A 3D-printed bolus is being developed to deliver accurate doses to superficial cancers. In this study, flexible thermoplastic filaments, specifically PLA, TPU, PETG, and HIPS, were fabricated into boluses and then compared to commercial bolus for the variation of the dose elevation region of photon beams. The experimental results indicate that the maximum dose depth is similar, and the consistent trend of the percentage depth dose confirms the potential usage as a build-up bolus. •We compared boluses made of thermoplastic filaments such as PLA, TPU, PETG, and HIPS, utilized in 3D printing, to commercial boluses in terms of dose-elevation region variations.•We identified consistent trends in both maximum dose depth(Dmax) and percentage depth dose.•Fabrication of patient-specific boluses will aid in reducing foreign body sensations experienced by patients and enable accurate dose distribution by conforming closely to the body surface.