P Graham

Thirty patients in randomized sequence were simulated in both an armrest and a vacuum bag immobilization device and also randomized to treatment in one of the two devices. Overall patient comfort significantly favoured the use of the armrest, although both were acceptable. Lung exposed in the tangential beams was less in the vacuum bag device. Supraclavicular skin folding was greater in the vacuum bag, but this is probably related to the angle of arm abduction. Treatment times and stability of the setups were not significantly different. This is a small study piloting a technical comparison and the findings require confirmation in a larger sample.

Tattooing is routinely employed prior to radiotherapy treatment but allergies to tattoos are rare. New information on the incidence of tattoo allergy at St George Hospital is presented with details o...