Expanding Cryoablation Usage for Prostate Cancer Near Rectum

What is it about?

The study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of using SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel and Barrigel ® as a spacer between the rectum and the prostate in cryoablation for prostate cancer near the rectum. A porcine model was used and two injections of SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel were carried out to create a 10 mm thickness space between two muscle layers. A cryoprobe was placed at a target point 10 mm superior to the upper margin of the SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel, and two temperature sensors were placed at superior and inferior margins of the SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel. The lowest temperature recorded by the sensors for the testing either using SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel or Barrigel ® as spacer were both -40°C. The created mass for both spacers was only slightly altered in shape by iceball compression during the freeze cycle. There was no alteration of macroscopic appearance and infiltration of surrounding tissue for both spacers after the whole procedure. This study shows that using Barrigel ® to expand the Denovilliers' space is another safe and promising option for cryoablation of prostate cancer near the rectum. [Some of the content on this page has been created by AI]

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it evaluates the feasibility and safety of using SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel and Barrigel ® as a spacer between the rectum and the prostate in cryoablation for prostate cancer near the rectum. Cryoablation is a focal treatment for intermediate risk localized prostate cancer that provides a balance of oncological control and functional outcomes. However, prostate cancer in the peripheral zone near the rectum is relatively contraindicated for cryotherapy because of the risk of thermal injury to the rectal wall. By expanding the usage of cryotherapy in prostate cancer near the rectum, we can offer more patients an effective treatment option with fewer side effects. Key Takeaways: 1. Cryoablation is a focal treatment for prostate cancer that offers oncological control and functional outcomes. 2. Prostate cancer near the rectum is relatively contraindicated for cryotherapy because of the risk of thermal injury to the rectal wall. 3. SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel and Barrigel ® are two spacers that can be used to create a distance between the rectum and the prostate during cryoablation, thus minimizing the risk of thermal injury to the rectal wall. 4. Both SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel and Barrigel ® are feasible and safe options for minimizing the complications associated with radiation therapy in prostate cancer treatment.