Objectives: To evaluate the incidence and degree of rectal wall infiltration (RWI) of spacer gel used during prostate radiotherapy among two practitioners experienced in using rectal spacers.

Materials and methods: Consecutive patients with prostate cancer who received prostate radiotherapy after hydrogel rectal spacer insertion in August 2023-August 2024 by two experienced practitioners were retrospectively included. Post-implant magnetic resonance imaging examinations were evaluated by two radiologists for RWI: 0 (no abnormality), 1 (rectal wall edema), 2 (superficial RWI), and 3 (deep RWI). Scores 2-3 were considered positive for RWI and their location and degree of RWI (radial, longitudinal, and circumferential) were also categorized. Inter-reader agreement was assessed with Cohen's Kappa.

Results: 215 men were included. Agreement was substantial between the radiologists for RWI scores (Kappa, 0.697; 95% confidence interval, 0.594-0.800). RWI scores were 0 in 80.5% (173/215), 1 in 7.9% (17/215), 2 in 10.7% (23/215), and, 3 in 0.9% (2/215) of the men. Altogether, RWI was present (scores 2-3) in 11.6% (25/215), most commonly in the mid-gland and apex with median radial, longitudinal, and circumferential involvement of 3.2 mm, 8.6 mm, and 11.5%. None of these patients demonstrated any significant rectal toxicity.

Conclusion: RWI was very uncommon for experienced practitioners. The degree of RWI was focal and not associated with increased complications.

Keywords: hydrogel; magnetic resonance imaging; radiotherapy; rectal wall infiltration; spacer.

Copyright © 2025 Woo, Becker, Katz, Tong, Vargas, Byun, Lischalk, Haas and Zelefsky.