A national survey of the availability of intensity-modulated radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery in Canada.

Background: The timely and appropriate adoption of new radiation therapy (RT) technologies is a challenge both in terms of providing of optimal patient care and managing health care resources. Relatively little is known regarding the rate at which new RT technologies are adopted in different jurisdictions, and the barriers to implementation of these technologies.

Methods: Surveys were sent to all radiation oncology department heads in Canada regarding the availability of RT equipment from 2006 to 2010.