Boston Scientific has initiated the European launch of its SpaceOAR Vue Hydrogel, which is designed to create a temporary space between the prostate and the rectum, minimising the potential side effects of radiation therapy.
The new radiopaque SpaceOAR Vue Hydrogel can be seen on computerised tomography (CT) scans, negating the need for physicians to include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the treatment planning, and accommodating patients who are contra-indicated for MRI
According to the World Health Organisation prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in Europe. More than 400,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and the the European Association of Urology consider radiotherapy a highly effective treatment.
However, due to the close proximity of the rectum to the prostate, prostate radiation therapy can cause unintended damage to the rectum, which can lead to fecal incontinence issues or other long-lasting side effects.
Clive Peedell, consultant clinical oncologist from the South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust (Middlesbrough, UK), said: “SpaceOAR Vue Hydrogel helps to reduce rectal dose in radiation planning, as well as increase clinician confidence in accurate contouring of the prostate and rectum.
“The increased visibility of the gel also helps in the image-guided targeting of the radiotherapy delivery to the prostate, ensuring treatment accuracy and high-quality care for patients.”
The SpaceOAR Vue Hydrogel perirectal spacer offers the same clinical benefits as traditional SpaceOAR Hydrogel, which was the first FDA-cleared and CE Marked hydrogel perirectal spacer, and has been used in over 100,000 patients worldwide, say Boston Scientific.
In a randomised clinical study of SpaceOAR Hydrogel, at median three years, more patients in the control group experienced declines in bowel (41% vs 14%) and urinary (30% vs 17%) quality of life than in the spacer group.
Additionally, more patients who were potent at baseline and treated with SpaceOAR were able to achieve erections sufficient for intercourse (66.7%, vs. 37.5%) than in the control group.
Miguel Aragon, vice president EMEA, urology and pelvic health at Boston Scientific, added: “SpaceOAR Vue Hydrogel demonstrates our commitment to addressing unmet patient and physician needs with innovations that provide the best possible care.
“SpaceOAR Vue Hydrogel’s design may enable physicians to streamline the department’s procedural workflow by reducing the need for post-procedural MRI scan, while reducing radiation exposure for patients undergoing radiation therapy.”
