Paraffin gauze bolus as tissue compensator in photon irradiation for mycosis fungoides – regarding a case study

Abstract

Introduction: Total skin electron beam therapy is a treatment option in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) affecting a significant amount of the body surface. For patients with involvement of soles and interdigital folds, however, this approach is ineffective, requiring alternatives such as localised radiotherapy (RT). Although electron beams are well suited for superficial lesions, on irregular surfaces it provides inadequate tumour coverage and excess dose variance, requiring photon irradiation with tissue compensation. Methods: We present the case of a patient with extensive cutaneous MF with skin lesions spread over both lower limbs and treated on these affected areas with photon beam RT. Long sheets of paraffin gauze dressings were used to create a 0·5-cm-thick bolus. The patient received a single fraction of 8 Gy. In vivo dosimetry using Gafchromic films was performed. Results: After 3 months, a complete response was achieved. In this case, paraffin gauze bolus proved to be an inexpensive, convenient, effective and flexible method for irregular superficial cancer irradiations. Conclusion: Paraffin gauze bolus is a suitable option for irregular contours.