Innovative rectal spacer will allow more patients to benefit from radiotherapy to the prostate

Posted 7th March 2024

Professor Isabel Syndikus, Consultant Clinical Oncologist here at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has recently achieved competency for the insertion of biodegradable rectal spacers for patients having radiotherapy for prostate cancer. This procedure will now be carried out on up to 25 eligible patients every year to allow them to receive radiotherapy treatment to the prostate.

A biodegradable rectal spacer is a water-based gel, injected as liquid into the small space between the prostate and the rectum, which is at the lowest part of the bowel. A few minutes later, the liquid changes into a gel which gradually dissolves in the body over three to six months.

The spacer moves the rectum away from the prostate, benefitting patients who have a higher than average risk of developing side effects from the radiotherapy within the bowel.

The insertion is performed under sedation or a general anesthetic and the procedure takes around 20 - 30 minutes.

Professor Syndikus explains: “I’m proud we are now able to offer this unique and innovative service to eligible patients here at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. We set up this service specifically to benefit those patients, who without it, would not be able to have radiotherapy to the prostate.”

(Photo: Professor Isabel Syndikus receiving her competency certificate from: Erik Irik (Left) Medical Education and Senior Manager, Henrique Fonseca - Clinical Sales Representative - Urology, Men's Health at Boston Scientific. Also pictured Sarah Stead, Brachytherapy Clinical Specialist.)