• Amit Bahl, Amarnath Challapalli, Suneil Jain, and Heather Payne.
• Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK.
• Int. J. Clin. Pract. 2021 Aug 1; 75 (8): e14338.

AimTo understand the awareness and use of rectal spacers for prostate cancer patients undergoing radical radiotherapy in the United Kingdom.MethodsAn expert-devised online questionnaire was completed by members of the British Uro-oncology Group (BUG).ResultsSixty-three specialists completed the survey (50% of BUG members at that point in time). Only 37% had used rectal spacers, mostly for private patients or those with pre-existing bowel conditions. However, many (68%) would like to use these devices in future. More than 70% of the uro-oncologists felt that bowel toxicity was underreported, but 60% believed that the use of radiotherapy without bowel toxicity was achievable with the use of rectal spacers.ConclusionsThe current use of rectal spacers by UK uro-oncologists for patients with localised or locally advanced prostate cancer receiving radiotherapy is low and largely restricted by resourcing issues.© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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