Hydrogel Spacing for Radiotherapy of Prostate Cancer: A Review of the Literature

Rectal spacers could potentially allow for greater dose escalation and hypofractionation while reducing rectal toxicity or protecting against increased rectal toxicity. This could theoretically lead to better tumor control, decreased toxicity and health care costs, and improved patient and provider satisfaction. Although short-term results based on the small cohort studies summarized in this review are encouraging, longer followup and larger, randomized trials are needed to determine the impact of rectal spacers on tumor control and late rectal toxicity.