News

Latest prostate cancer technology now available in Albury Wodonga

Apr 12, 2021

Men who need radiation treatment for prostate cancer can now access state-of-the-art technology to potentially reduce side effects without travelling to Melbourne or Canberra.

Albury Wodonga Private Hospital has secured the latest SpaceOAR Hydrogel technology which was previously only available in capital cities.

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is designed to reduce the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during prostate cancer radiation treatments. It has been clinically shown to minimise urinary, sexual and bowel side effects and protect quality of life for patients.

Albury Wodonga Private Hospital urologist and high-volume prostate cancer surgeon, Dr Jonathan Lewin, said offering the SpaceOAR technology was great news for local men needing prostate cancer treatment.

“The problem with radiation is that the rectum is very close to the prostate and we want to prevent rectal toxicity which can cause discomfort and bleeding,” Dr Lewin said.

“By injecting SpaceOAR Hydrogel just before the radiation treatment, it pushes the rectum out of the way and helps protect it.

“This is another example of us being regional leaders and we’re offering all the latest diagnostic treatment options of the big cities right here at Albury Wodonga Private Hospital,” he said.

Radiation oncologist Dr Craig MacLeod said SpaceOAR was a fantastic advancement.

“It makes a huge difference to the patient and decreases the incidence of rectal toxicity to about 1%. We’ve seen consistent improvements in techniques over the past 20 years and this is certainly a breakthrough,” Dr MacLeod said.

The SpaceOAR Hydrogel is inserted under anaesthetic and creates a 1.5 centimetre space between the rectum and prostate. It then dissolves naturally in the body over the next few months.