Customizing care for cancer patients at Keesler Air Force Base

In an effort to make radiation therapy for cancer patients more accurate and effective, the 81st Diagnostic and Therapeutic Squadron joins forces with the 81st Dental Squadron to shape a radiation bolus for each patient.

The 81^st Dental Squadron has created a custom radiation therapy device using digital dentistry software and 3D printing that will allow them to create same day dental solution that will keep airman in the fight, but with this technology it can also be used to help treat cancer patients. Travis Bellicchi said, “Our device creates an artificial surface that allows radiation therapy to be more effective and safer. Essentially, we are creating a barrier that allows the radiation therapy to work and eliminate disease.”

With the partnership of the 81^st Diagnostic and Therapeutic Squadron, the radiation therapy can shape a radiation bolus for each patient. “This is the healthcare at its best. When you are able to collaborate, you can be innovative. So, when you have the best technology at your fingertips and some very intelligent health care providers concentrating on the mission, you can do extraordinary things.”

During radiation bolus, an impression from the patient is taken and scanned using a computer aid design scanner, then a bolus is created by tricking the computer into making something else. Dental Laboratory Technician Stephen Dereis said, “The computer does not know the difference of a mouth and a face. It just knows that it is using the digital information that I have provided. By having something that is digitally produced just for that patient alone for that specific area. It is reproducible every time for every treatment.”

“We can create a custom design prosthesis that adapts to the patient’s face much more intimately.”

With the radiation bolus the dental squadron can now create a customized precise medical device that makes radiation therapy safe and life changing. “It’s just very emotional kind of thing to see the patient and how it affects their life and their family’s life.”