Use of hydrogel spacers before radiation therapy for prostate cancer reduces rectal toxicity: Study

Australia: Hydrogel spacers may potentially reduce rectal toxicity after radiation therapy in men with prostate cancer and is a low-morbidity method, suggests recent data published in BJUI International. Data on sexual function and oncological outcomes are limited to date, the researchers add. 

Hydrogel spacers are absorbable gel that temporarily creates a space between the prostate and the rectum. This extra space protects the rectum from radiation exposure during prostate cancer treatment.  

Marlon Perera, Urology Department, Austin Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia, and colleagues aimed 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. 

Further, the authors also discussed the types of hydrogel spacers used, the practicalities of inserting hydrogel spacers, and the complications associated with hydrogel spacer insertion. 

They discussed the cost-effectiveness of hydrogel spacer use and provided an overview of future research areas, including the role of hydrogel spacers in prostate stereotactic beam radiotherapy and post-radiotherapy local recurrence. 

"Hydrogel spacer insertion is a low-morbidity surgical intervention that may reduce recall toxicity following radiation therapy in patients with prostate cancer," the researchers wrote. "To date, data outlining the sexual function and oncological outcomes are limited." 

"Future studies, currently being conducted, may provide further clarify the role of hydrogel spacers in the management of prostate cancer," they concluded. 

Harvey M, Ong WL, Chao M, Udovicich C, McBride S, Bolton D, Eastham J, Perera M. Comprehensive review of the use of hydrogel spacers prior to radiation therapy for prostate cancer. BJU Int. 2022 Jun 10. doi: 10.1111/bju.15821. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35689413.