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LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS
LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS

LONG-TERM
SIDE
EFFECTS

Understanding Long-Term Side Effects of Prostate  Radiation

Thanks to advances in modern radiation therapy, today's treatments are typically more precise in targeting cancer cells and limiting high-dose radiation to surrounding tissue.1 However, some men may experience longer-term complications after treatment ends.

Long-term side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer may develop over time. These can vary depending on the individual, type of treatment, and other factors. Talk to your doctor about what to expect and how to manage any symptoms.

 

Possible Long-Term Side Effects

Urinary Complications

  • Bladder inflammation (cystitis)
  • Blood in the urine
  • Weaker urinary stream or difficulty urinating
  • Chronic urinary frequency or urgency
  • Unable to hold urine in (incontinence)

Sexual Complications

  • Taking longer or becoming more difficult to get or maintain an erection

Rectal and Bowel Complications

  • Inflammation of the rectum (radiation proctitis)
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
  • Narrowing of the rectum
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Chronic diarrhea

NOTE: These are examples. It is important to consult with your doctor about any side effects that you experience during and after treatment.

 

Reducing Rectal Side Effects from Prostate Radiation Therapy

The use of Barrigel™ rectal spacer can reduce prostate radiation side effects by
temporarily positioning the rectum away from the prostate.4

Radiation Dose Margin Illustration FNL

Barrigel™ rectal spacer creates space between the prostate and rectum, moving the healthy organ out of the high-dose radiation area, reducing radiation exposure to the rectum.

Barrigel™ rectal spacer is a hydrogel that is inserted between the prostate and rectum during
treatment. It creates space to reduce radiation exposure to the rectum. Clinical trials have
shown that rectal spacers significantly reduce the risk of rectal complications following prostate 
radiation.4-6

Talk to your doctor to see if this approach is right for your treatment plan.

References

  • 1.    American Cancer Society. Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Accessed April 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-eancer/treating/radiation-therapy.html
    2.    Cancer Research UK. Long-term Side Effects of External Radiotherapy. Cancer Research UK. Published April 20, 2023. Accessed May 12, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-eancer/prostate­ cancer/treatrnent/radiotherapy/external-radiotherapy/lonq-terrn-side-effects-external-radiotherapy.
    3.    Oncolink. Possible Side Effects of Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer. Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania. Apr 2025; https://www.oncolink.org/cancers/prostate/treatments/possible-side­ effects-of-radiation-treatrnent-for-prostate-eancer
    4.    Mariados NF, Orio PF Ill, King MT et al. JAMA Oncol (2023). Study sponsored by Palette Life Sciences, now part
    of Teleflex.
    5.    Mariados N, Sylvester J, Shah D et al. Int J Radait Oncol Biol Phys (2015).
    6.    Song D et al, Int J Radial Oncol Biol Phys (2024)

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