Rectal DVH Comparison of a plan – same patient with and without balloon

Technological advancements continue to improve the way medical professionals provide treatment for their patients by promoting greater healthy tissue sparing while administering higher cancer-demolishing doses of radiation to the organ(s) at risk.

By immobilizing the prostate gland and distending the rectal mucosa away from the treatment field, endorectal balloons allow dosimetrists to create the best possible plan for prostate cancer patients. While applying RTOG dose constraints, tighter treatment margins can be utilized to further protect surrounding critical structures and higher total doses can be prescribed and accurately delivered to the targeted volume, thus dramatically improving dose-volume histograms.

With improved plans and real-time prostate immobilization through the use of endorectal balloons, dosimetrists can feel confident that their hard work is maximizing patient care.