Patient tolerance of rectal balloons in conformal radiation treatment of prostate cancer

Dosimetric Changes Resulting From Patient Rotational Setup Errors in Proton Therapy Prostate Plans

“…However, an endorectal balloon serves as an internal immobilization device and might protect the rectum by moving portions of the posterior and superior rectum away from the treatment field. The balloon has been well tolerated during the treatment course (11).…”

Changes in Prostate Shape and Volume and Their Implications for Radiotherapy After Introduction of Endorectal Balloon as Determined by MRI at 3T

“…Second, the clinical use and tolerability of an ERB during treatment has been extensively described (19,(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28). The use of the ERB adds only few (range, [3][4][5] minutes to the whole RT procedure.…”

“…Performing imaging without an ERC would have a number of advantages, including less patient discomfort, lower costs, and better correlation with RT planning, if the latter has been performed without an endorectal balloon (ERB). However, the use of an ERB in localized prostate RT has been proved advantageous (19,(23)(24)(25)(26) and well tolerated (27,28). For RT planning and during RT sessions, ERBs that are similar to the ERC in construction and shape can be used.…”

Internal Immobilization: From Rectal Balloon to Hyaluronic Acid

“…in those who received protons alone (= local) compared with combination treatment (local ? pelvic) could be detected (Ronson et al 2006). …”