Quantifying thermoplastic mask quality for precision radiotherapy in head and neck cancer: A 3D stress test and 6D-axis error analysis.

Abstract

Patients with head and neck cancers often require radiotherapy, where immobilization devices like thermoplastic masks ensure precise radiation delivery by minimizing movement. However, the quality of these masks lacks standard reference data. This study aimed to establish institutional acceptance criteria for thermoplastic mask quality and quantify their effectiveness using a 3 dimensional stress test and verified the setup errors using daily megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT). Between April and June 2022, 30 patients underwent radiotherapy with thermoplastic masks. Four key facial points (forehead, bilateral cheekbones, and chin) were tested for supporting force. Mean forces ranged from 3.97 N to 8.8 N. MVCT was used to assess 6 dimensional-axis errors, with mean translational errors (x, y, z) of 0.32 mm, -1.09 mm, and 2.24 mm, respectively, and rotational errors (yaw, pitch, roll) of -0.12°, 0.22°, and 0.35°, respectively. The results demonstrated that the thermoplastic masks provided precise immobilization, minimizing setup errors in 6 dimensions. Our findings offer a quantifiable method to ensure high-quality immobilization during radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancers.