RVH Research Highlights How Treatment Preparation Can Improve Prostate Cancer Radiation Care

Delivering radiation therapy for prostate cancer requires a high degree of precision. At Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), researchers continue to examine how each step of care, including preparation before treatment, can support better outcomes for patients.

New research from RVH, published in the British Journal of Radiology explored how different bowel preparation can affect the delivery of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), a commonly used form of radiation treatment for prostate cancer. The study was led by Dr. Muoi Tran, medical physicist, and Dr. Adam Gladwish, radiation oncologist, in the Hudson Regional Cancer Centre at RVH.

SBRT is designed to deliver radiation accurately to the prostate while limiting exposure to surrounding tissues. Because the prostate sits close to the rectum, natural changes in bowel contents can influence its position. When this occurs, additional imaging or adjustments may be required to ensure treatment is delivered safely and as planned.

The study reviewed treatment data from 24 patients across 120 treatment sessions, comparing two commonly used preparation approaches: a daily oral laxative taken throughout the treatment course and a daily enema used before each session.

Both approaches supported safe and effective treatment. However, the research identified an important difference in consistency. When a daily enema was used, treatment sessions were more likely to proceed without delays or interruptions. In contrast, the oral laxative approach was associated with greater variability, including more frequent preparation-related delays before treatment could begin.

“A possible explanation is that daily enemas tend to work more quickly and reliably,” says Dr. Gladwish. “Laxatives, on the other hand, can affect bowel function over a longer period, which may lead to greater variability on treatment days.”

While the study was retrospective and conducted at a single centre, it provides valuable insight into how routine preparation practices can influence the delivery of care.

For patients, greater predictability means shorter, more reliable appointments and fewer disruptions to scheduled care. At a systems level, these findings show how applied research can deliver practical insights that support real-time improvements. Even small, evidence-informed adjustments at the bedside, can help strengthen capacity and support a system facing increasing demand. 

“These findings offer a reminder that progress in healthcare doesn’t always mean developing new drugs or technology,” says Dr. Tran. “By closely examining routine practices, research like this can generate evidence that strengthens care delivery for patients while making better use of existing resources.”

This work reflects RVH’s ongoing commitment to advancing patient-focused care through applied research, innovation, and continuous improvement, ensuring that treatments delivered safely, effectively and that support patients and the broader healthcare system.