Rectal wall sparing effect of three different endorectal balloons in 3D conformal and IMRT prostate radiotherapy

Conclusions: In 3D-CRT, any ERB showed a significant rectal wall sparing effect. ERB2 and ERB3 were superior to ERB1. For both 3D-CRT and IMRT, a reduction of the relative inner Rwall surface exposed to intermediate and high doses was found, which may lead to reduced late rectal toxicity. Development of user- and patient-friendly ERBs is warranted to increase their acceptability.