Current status of the working environment of brachytherapy in Japan: a nationwide survey-based analysis focusing on radiotherapy technologists and medical physicists.
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Brachytherapy (BT), especially in high dose rate (HDR), has become increasingly complex owing to the use of image-guided techniques and the introduction of advanced applicators. Consequently, radiotherapy technologists and medical physicists (RTMPs) require substantial training to enhance their knowledge and technical skills in image-guided brachytherapy. However, the current status of the RTMP workload, individual abilities and quality control (QC) of BT units in Japan remains unclear. To address this issue, we conducted a questionnaire survey from June to August 2022 in all 837 radiation treatment facilities in Japan involving RTMPs. This survey focused on gynecological cancers treated with HDR-BT (GY-HDR) and permanent prostate implantation using low-dose-rate BT (PR-LDR). The responses revealed that the average working time in the overall process for HDR varied: 120 min for intracavitary BT and 180 min for intracavitary BT combined with interstitial BT. The QC implementation rate, in accordance with domestic guidelines, was 65% for GY-HDR and 44% for PR-LDR, which was lower than the 69% observed for external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Additionally, the implementation rate during regular working hours was low. Even among RTMP working in facilities performing BT, the proportion of those able to perform QC for BT units was ~30% for GY-HDR and <20% for PR-LDR, significantly lower than the 80% achieved for EBRT. This study highlights the vulnerabilities of Japan's BT unit QC implementation structure. Addressing these issues requires appropriate training of the RTMP staff to safely perform BT tasks and improvements in practical education and training systems.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Radiation Research (JRR) is an official journal of The Japanese Radiation Research Society (JRRS), and the Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology (JASTRO).
Since its launch in 1960 as the official journal of the JRRS, the journal has published scientific articles in radiation science in biology, chemistry, physics, epidemiology, and environmental sciences. JRR broadened its scope to include oncology in 2009, when JASTRO partnered with the JRRS to publish the journal.
Articles considered fall into two broad categories:
Oncology & Medicine - including all aspects of research with patients that impacts on the treatment of cancer using radiation. Papers which cover related radiation therapies, radiation dosimetry, and those describing the basis for treatment methods including techniques, are also welcomed. Clinical case reports are not acceptable.
Radiation Research - basic science studies of radiation effects on livings in the area of physics, chemistry, biology, epidemiology and environmental sciences.
Please be advised that JRR does not accept any papers of pure physics or chemistry.
The journal is bimonthly, and is edited and published by the JRR Editorial Committee.