Application of Real-time Variable Shape Tungsten Rubber for Nail Radiation Protection in the Total Skin Electron Beam (TSEB) Therapy

Purpose: This study investigated whether real-time variable shape tungsten rubber (STR) could be applied for nail radiation protection in total skin electron beam (TSEB) therapy. Methods: Simulated finger phantoms were made from syringes filled with physiological saline of volumes 5, 10, 20, and 30 ml (inner diameters 14.1, 17.0, 21.7, 25.3 mm, respectively). Gafchromic film was to the phantom, lead (thickness 1–3 mm) or STR 1–4 an area 4´1.5 cm used cover film. A 6 MeV 8 mm acrylic board then irradiate phantom. The source-surface distance (SSD) 444 cm, field size 36´36 at SSD 100 without applicator, monitor unit 2000 MU. shielding rates obtained dose profiles. Results: mean values rate all 50.1, 97.6, 98.7% 1, 2, 3 lead, respectively, -13.6, 53.9, 91.2, 99.4% 3, 4 STR, respectively. Conclusion: a thickness had same properties as which approximately 100% rate. therefore TSEB therapy instead lead.