Research progress in hydrogel in radiotherapy of localized prostate cancer

In recent years, the incidence rate of prostate cancer has been gradually elevated year by year in China. External radiotherapy yields similar clinical efficacy to surgery in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Because the rectum is close to the prostate, the radiotherapy targeting for prostate cancer constantly causes radiation-related proctitis. Recently, multiple researchers have attempted to inject polyethylene glycol hydrogel into the rectal prostate space to separate the rectum from the prostate, thereby reducing the radiation dose coverage for the rectum and minimizing the risk of radiation-related proctitis. In this article, the application basis, radiation stability, injection technology, dosimetry and clinical efficacy of polyethylene glycol hydrogel injection were summarized. Key words: Prostate neoplasms/radiotherapy; Polyethylene glycol hydrogel; Radiation proctitis