Objective: Hydrogel spacers have a novel role in the treatment of low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer with dose-escalated radiation therapy. Given the growing number of patients undergoing treatment with radiation therapy, the use of hydrogel spacers is expected to increase. The purpose of this article is to review what a radiologist needs to know about the imaging of hydrogel spacers, including MRI technique and appearance on CT and MRI.
Conclusion: MRI has a critical role in the evaluation of hydrogel spacer placement and is used to facilitate contouring by the radiation oncologist. The radiologist should be familiar with the imaging appearance of hydrogel spacers on CT and MRI to avoid interpretation pitfalls and errors.
Keywords: dose-escalated radiation therapy; hydrogel spacers; low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer; prostate MRI.