In-house fabrication of a custom radiation positioning stent for surface-mold high-dose rate brachytherapy in buccal mucosa carcinoma: A technical note
Gunjan Chouksey, Pankaj Chauhan, Vipin Kharade, Mohammad Anas Ghori, Aman Dev, Yathul T. KABSTRACT
Background:
Surface-mold high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) offers an effective, organ-preserving alternative for early oral cavity carcinomas; however, achieving reproducible catheter placement in mobile intraoral sites remains challenging.
Aim:
To describe a simple, cost-effective, and reproducible method for fabricating a custom acrylic radiation positioning stent to facilitate HDR surface-mold BT in carcinoma of the buccal mucosa.
Materials and Methods:
A patient-specific acrylic stent was fabricated through collaboration between radiation oncologists and maxillofacial prosthodontists using standard dental materials and in-house laboratory facilities. Maxillary and mandibular impressions were made in irreversible hydrocolloid, poured in dental stone, and a retentive wire framework was incorporated. A self-cure acrylic base was contoured to fit the patient’s oral anatomy, with parallel channels at 1-cm intervals for HDR catheters. Fit, comfort, and stability were verified intraorally before computer tomography-based planning and treatment delivery.
Results:
The stent provided secure and reproducible catheter positioning across all treatment fractions. It was well tolerated and easily fabricated with minimal resources. The treatment was completed successfully without procedural complications.
Conclusion:
This interdisciplinary technique demonstrates a practical and low-cost workflow for delivering HDR surface-mold BT in buccal mucosa carcinoma. The approach enhances reproducibility, comfort, and accuracy and is well suited to resource-limited oncology settings.