Immobilization techniques and dosimetric aspects for pituitary tumors.
Twelve percent of all intracranial tumors arise in the pituitary fossa. The management of pituitary tumors is a complex process that may combine several treatment modalities including radiation therapy. Minimizing patient movement during the course of radiation therapy treatment is imperative to ensure both the delivery of the prescribed dose to the small target volume and to minimize the radiation dose to critical structures. Several alternative types of immobilization devices are being used for this purpose; these include biteblocks, thermal plastics, and polyurethane molds (Alpha Cradle). The advantages and disadvantages of each of these devices are reviewed and the fabrication process of the pituitary immobilization mold that we are currently using is described. Dosimetric aspects of the treatments using these devices is addressed.
Weller
M K
MK
Hahnemann University Radiation Oncology Radiation Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192.
Muller
P L
PL
Sugai
S
S
Levenick
J
J
D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage