Present status of brachytherapy using Co-RALS in the national hospital and sanatorium in Japan

The present status of brachytherapy using Co-RALS machine in the national hospital and sanatorium were investigated, by a questionnaire method. Questionnaire concerned about the equipment, machine trouble, patient population, together with the stuff of each department. Most of the Co-RALS machines were introduced between 1982 and 1987. Quality of Co-RALS treatment is questionable in several hospitals which lacks radiation therapy personnel. Number of patients treated per year are too small to sustain the cost of Ir-HDR treatment. It is concluded that introduction of Ir-HDR machine should be considered for small number of hospitals where patients population and personnel scale are sufficient. (author)