[192Ir afterloading machine for intracavitary radiotherapy--first unit installed in China].

This paper presents the source, applicators and treatment results of the first 192Ir afterloading machine manufactured at home. The intrauterine source can effect pendulous displacements in linear or non-linear patterns without preparatory dilatation. The vagina source can assume palisade and erect position. Satisfactory dose distributions are possible by various arrangements of the vaginal applicators as required clinically. From Oct. 1984 to Dec. 1985, 82 patients with cervical malignancies were treated by this machine. The tumor mass in all patients disappeared before the conclusion of treatment. There was no local recurrence with the longest follow-up of one year as compared to the tumor inhibition rate of 91.9% by the traditional method during the same period. These results suggest that this facility be satisfactory and that the traditional intracavitary treatment could be replaced.