Hospitals are to be encouraged to use an injectable gel to reduce the side-effects of prostate cancer radiotherapy, it has been announced.
NHS England announced it had reached a deal with the manufacturers of
the SpaceOAR hydrogel, enabling it to be approved for use in the NHS.
Doctors are to get support from England’s 15 academic health science networks to introduce the therapy.
The gel is injected before radiotherapy and is absorbed by the body after about six months.
It is said to reduce the risk of rectal pain, bleeding and diarrhoea following treatment.
Professor Amit Bahl, consultant clinical oncologist at University Hospitals Bristol, welcomed the news.
He said: “This is a fantastic outcome for prostate cancer patients, who now have the opportunity to undergo radiation treatment with minimising the associated potential side effects. The Hydrogel Spacer is clinically proven to lower radiation exposure to the surrounding organs and tissues.
“Potential side-effects from radiation exposure are a major concern for men who are given the option of radiotherapy and can often negatively impact men’s decision to accept this treatment option.
“New technology such as radiotherapy delivery systems and SpaceOAR hydrogel are important – they give men the confidence that not only are we doing our best to treat the cancer, but also that we are protecting their long-term quality of life from bowel, urinary and erectile dysfunction.”
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