Hydrogel spacer in radiotherapy of prostate cancer assessed in Swedish Skåne Region

In Sweden, Skåne Region develops the knowledge base and prepares questions for decisions on the introduction of evidence-based health and medical care throughout Region Skåne. The medical evaluations are conducted in accordance with the principles for critical review of published scientific literature used by the National Board of Health and Social Evaluation.

In March 2020, Skåne Region has released a report for the use of hydrogel spacer in radiotherapy of prostate cancer that aimed to understand whether the hydrogel spacer in patients who underwent radiotherapy leads to fewer side effects in comparison to those patients who did not use it. The following conclusions were provided:

• The assessment of the protective effect of hydrogel spacer on the rectum is difficult as most patients in the two included studies experienced mild discomfort, according to the estimation scales used
• Treatment with hydrogel spacer provides long-term improved quality of life, but the scientific base is limited
• The scientific evidence base on the positive effect of the spacer in erectile function is insufficient.

See the full information in Swedish here.

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