Total-Body Superficial Electron-Beam Therapy Using a Multiple-Field Pendulum-Arc Technique

Abstract
A technique using pendulum-arc rotation is presented for electron-beam treatment of generalized superficial malignancies. The technique consists of 6 arcing fields symmetrically dispersed around the body surface for circumferential coverage. The arc angle is selected to scan the height of the body fully. Beam uniformity within 10% over a height of 180 cm is achieved at a treatment distance of 385 cm. Randophantom dosimetry, using an 8 MeV electron beam degraded by 3/8 in. Plexiglas, indicates a surface dose uniformity within .+-. 7% over most of the body surface. Underdosages occur at regions obstructed by adjacent body parts.