A customized mono-block brachytherapy appliance for the treatment of mandibular gingival carcinoma: A case report

This case report focuses on customizing a mono-block brachytherapy mold designed for the treatment of mandibular squamous cell carcinoma of the alveolar mucosa in an edentulous patient. A 90-year-old female patient was treated with radioactive gold-198 grains carried by a customized mono-block brachytherapy mold to deliver targeted radiation. A clear acrylic resin mold was designed to ensure precision, stability, and patient comfort, incorporating a chin cap retainer for enhanced retention. The mold's translucency facilitated accurate placement of radioactive gold-198 (198Au) grains, while a lead cavity shielded surrounding tissues. Fabrication involved creating precise grain cavities and securing a lead sheet within the mold. The resulting appliance provided stable and reproducible therapeutic radiation delivery while maintaining functional and anatomical integrity of the mandible. Patient feedback highlighted comfort and compliance. This case highlights the importance of tailoring brachytherapy molds to individual anatomical and clinical needs and emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration between radiation oncologist and prosthodontists. The approach demonstrates the potential of customized medical devices to optimize outcomes for challenging oncological cases. (Int J Maxillofac Prosthetics 2025;8:7-11)