Enhancing Prostate Radiotherapy Precision and Safety Through Rectal Spacers

In this segment, Drs. Varun Sundaram and Jay Messer outline the growing role of rectal spacers in improving outcomes for patients undergoing prostate radiotherapy. They explain how advances in radiation technology now allow clinicians to deliver higher, more effective doses of radiation while sparing the surrounding organs. However, dose escalation and shortened treatment courses—such as modern hypofractionated regimens and SBRT—can still increase the risk of bladder and rectal toxicity. They emphasize that rectal spacers create physical separation between the prostate and rectum, significantly reducing both acute and long-term gastrointestinal side effects. The physicians also highlight the importance of managing urinary function in collaboration with urology colleagues to minimize genitourinary side effects. Together, these multidisciplinary strategies aim to deliver safer, more precise prostate cancer treatment.