Comprehensive Review of the Use of Hydrogel Spacers Prior to Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Overview

Journal BJU Int

Specialty Urology

Date 2022 Jun 11

PMID 35689413

Authors

Michael Harvey

Wee Loon Ong

Michael Chao

Cristian Udovicich

Sean McBride

Damien Bolton

James Eastham

Marlon Perera

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: To provide a comprehensive narrative review of the published data on the impact of hydrogel spacers on rectal dosimetry and toxicity and to outline the practicalities of inserting hydrogel spacers.

Results: A growing body of evidence suggests that the administration of hydrogel spacers is safe and is associated with limited peri-operative morbidity. The impact on rectal dosimetry has been clearly established and use of hydrogel spacers is associated with reduced rectal morbidity. These results have been corroborated by several Phase II and III clinical trials and subsequent meta-analysis. There are several areas for future research, including the role of hydrogel spacers in prostate stereotactic beam radiotherapy and post-radiotherapy local recurrence.

Conclusions: Hydrogel spacers provide a low-morbidity method to potential reduce rectal toxicity after radiation therapy in men with prostate cancer. Data outlining sexual function and oncological outcomes are limited to date. Future studies, currently being conducted, may provide further clarification of the role of hydrogel spacers in prostate cancer management.

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