Protection of hydrogel for rectum in radiotherapy of prostate cancer and cervical cancer / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

ABSTRACT

Radiotherapy is an important treatment for prostate cancer and cervical cancer. However, it can cause damage to the surrounding organs while effectively treating the tumor. Rectal injury is the most common site. It has been reported that in the radiotherapy of prostate cancer or cervical cancer, hydrogels are injected between prostate and rectum or vagina and rectum to increase the gap distance, which can reduce rectal radiation dose and the risk of radiation damage. This article reviews the applications of hydrogels in the treatment of prostate cancer and cervical cancer, to protect the rectum for better quality of life.