Rationale for Utilization of Hydrogel Rectal Spacers in Dose Escalated SBRT for the Treatment of Unfavorable Risk Prostate Cancer.

In this review we outline the current evidence for the use of hydrogel rectal spacers in the treatment paradigm for prostate cancer with external beam radiation therapy. We review their development, summarize clinical evidence, risk of adverse events, best practices for placement, treatment planning considerations and finally we outline a framework and rationale for the utilization of rectal spacers when treating unfavorable risk prostate cancer with dose escalated Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).
Competing Interests: SC serves as a consultant for Accuray (Sunnyvale, CA) and Boston Scientific (Marlborough, MA). The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
(Copyright © 2022 Repka, Creswell, Lischalk, Carrasquilla, Forsthoefel, Lee, Lei, Aghdam, Kataria, Obayomi-Davies, Collins, Suy, Hankins and Collins.)