[Chest wall moulages for radiotherapy of resected breast cancer with fast electrons: comparative tests of different materials].

Irradiation of the thoracic wall with high-speed electrons is one of the standard methods of prophylaxis and therapy of local recurrences and cutaneous metastases of an operated mammary carcinoma. The surface dose, however, is only 85% of the maximum dose, due to the depth dose curve of the electron beams with the preponderantly applied energy of 7MeV. This is a poor value, since most of all recurrences appear near to the surface and so the risk of giving an insufficient dose is involved. The dose distribution could be essentially improved by the use of moulages on the chest. These moulages were made of different materials which were tested and compared with respect to their suitability for radiotherapeutic purposes. The best materials proved to be "Urgo-Plastan" (manufacturer: Holphar, Sulzbach) and "Orthoplast" (manufacturer: Johnson & Johnson, Düsseldorf). Both materials are synthetic substances which after heating can easily be adapted to the body shape and which offer a good stability, little inconvenience for the patient and a relative easy handling. With these moulage materials, the surface dose is increased to 98% ("Urgo-Plastan") and 99% ("Orthoplast") of the maximum dose.