Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy
eISSN: 2081-2841
ISSN: 1689-832X
Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy
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abstract:
Original paper

Cylindrical silicone applicator for superficial brachytherapy of the finger: Design and manufacturing

Eduardo Carrasco Solis
1
,
Felipe Castro Canovas
2
,
Fernando Márquez Pachas
1
,
Juan Trejo Mena
2
,
Paola Fuentes Rivera Carmelo
2
,
Cecilia Querebalu Garcia
3
,
Walter Vilca Vega
2
,
Eduardo Villarreyes Peña
1
,
Carol Ordoñez Aquino
4
,
Maria Cerron Loayza
1
,
Fernando Carrasco Solis
5, 6
,
Galo Patiño Camargo
1

  1. Facultad de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
  2. Departamento de Radioterapia, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Surquillo, Lima, Perú
  3. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Rímac, Lima, Perú
  4. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Perú
  5. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú
  6. Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Lima, Lima, Perú
J Contemp Brachytherapy 2025; 17
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/jcb.2025.158206
Online publish date: 2025/12/29
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Purpose
To design and fabricate a cylindrical silicone applicator for high-dose-rate (HDR) superficial brachytherapy of the fingers, aiming at improving dose coverage, anatomical conformity, and inter-session reproducibility. This device was intended to offer a practical alternative to the limitations of existing commercial applicators.

Material and methods
A solid, assemblable negative mold was designed using 3D printing technology. This mold enabled shaping of the final applicator by casting of pre-mixed and degassed room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone. Design featured a central cavity, a 93.5° open segment to facilitate anatomical adaptation, and nine equidistant holes for catheter insertions. Applicator’s performance was evaluated on hand phantom, considering efficacy, flexibility, and mechanical stability. Dosimetric planning was based on CT investigations, in which a subcutaneous treatment volume was simulated. Each catheter included eight dwell positions, and dwell times were modulated to optimize dose distribution and spatial conformity.

Results
The applicator exhibited good flexibility, structural integrity, and appropriate adaptation to different finger morphologies. Catheters remained securely positioned during testing, with no displacements observed. The 100% iso-dose line fully encompassed the target volume, and the maximum surface dose reached 129% of the prescribed dose. Most of 120% isodose was confined within the applicator material, indicating an adequate bolus effect. Dwell time modulation contributed to a uniform dose distribution, especially in peripheral and distal regions of the target volume.

Conclusions
The developed applicator represents an effective, accessible, and reproducible solution for the delivery of HDR brachytherapy in superficial finger lesions, supporting its implementation in clinical settings with limited resources.

keywords:

HDR-BT, 3D printing, silicone, surface applicator

  
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