Emerging evidence for the role of an endorectal balloon in prostate radiation therapy

• DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2218-676x.2012.10.10
• Publication Date: 2012-10-30
• Authors: Stefan Both; Curtiland Deville; Viet Phuong Bui; Ken Kang Hsin Wang; Neha Vapiwala
• Keywords: Image-guided radiation therapy

Purpose: To reassess and update the role of an endorectal balloon (ERB) in prostate radiotherapy (RT) based on emerging evidence by reviewing various aspects treatment methodologies clinical outcomes. Methods materials: A literature review a PubMed/MEDLINE database search using keywords such as: ERB, RT, toxicities, real-time, image-guided (IGRT), radiofrequency-guided (RGRT), inter- intrafraction motion for articles published over past two years. Ten were identified subdivided into three categories: (I) Issue Motion, (II) Dosimetry, (III) Clinical Outcomes. Results: With advent real-time tracking, analysis as function time patients treated with daily-ERB was performed revealed overall reduction 3D motion, especially anterior-posterior direction. Two different groups authors found that this allowed tighter internal margins. Dosimetric studies showed improved dose distributions which proton therapy maximized when ERBguided range verification anteriorly oriented beams. outcomes favorable early GI toxicities however late toxicity results are still awaited. Conclusions: Utilizing shows well reduced tracking data. Reduced improves feasibility to use beams, may further improve dosimetry.