Partnership provides prostate cancer patients in the north-east with hydrogel spacers

The Rutherford Cancer Centre North East is collaborating with Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital on a new oncology pathway for the north-east in which prostate cancer patients can be offered hydrogel spacers that reduce radiation exposure during radiotherapy treatment.

The pathway is designed to meet increasing demand for precision radiotherapy in the region. After under-going the hydrogel spacer procedure, patients will typically commence their main treatment of radiotherapy or high energy proton beam therapy at the Rutherford Cancer Centre in Bedlington.

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a soft gel that separates the rectum from the prostate, reducing radiation. The procedures to be carried out at Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital will be performed by urology consultant Mr Toby Page, who said: “The provision of spacer devices to help minimise the impact of precision therapies on unaffected areas of tissue is a huge leap forward in prostate cancer treatment.”

Centre manager at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North East Chris Land added: “The north-east has among of the highest incidence of cancer in the UK and prostate cancer is the most common cancer of them all.

“We are delighted to bring this crucial oncology pathway to cement the region’s reputation as a fast- emerging hub of cutting-edge cancer care and precision radiotherapy.” Land concluded: “Our excellent relationship with Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital has been key in delivering this and we are confident that it will enhance patient outcomes across the region.”

Rutherford Cancer Centre North East is part of a network of cancer centres across the UK that offer high energy proton beam therapy. The centre also offers conventional cancer treatments such as chemo-therapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy.

Vice president and general manager international for SpaceOAR Hydrogel Stephen McGill commented: “With the support of our clinical data more than 50,000 men worldwide are now benefiting from the long term positive impact of SpaceOAR.”

Picture: Rutherford Cancer Centre North East manager Chris Land, Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital director Matthew Lamb and Nuffield Health urology surgeon Mr Toby Page.

Published on page 26 of the December 2019 issue of RAD Magazine.