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Barrigel® Rectal Spacer
The high energy beams from radiation therapy can negatively affect healthy tissues surrounding the prostate — the rectum being the most at risk for radiation exposure. The Barrigel rectal spacer can help minimize any side effects by temporarily positioning the rectum away from the prostate.
Advanced technology protects healthy tissue for men undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer
Men facing a prostate cancer diagnosis often face the challenge of navigating the multitude of treatment options available to determine the right path for them. Each year, about 290,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States.[1] It is the second most common cancer among U.S. men, occurring in one in eight males.[1] A variety of treatment options are available for prostate cancer based on prognosis. To determine which treatment is best for them, patients should work together with their doctor to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of all appropriate options.
Radiation treatment, also known as radiotherapy, is the most effective form of treatment for many men with prostate cancer. Recent innovations and advanced technologies, make radiation an even stronger cornerstone of treatment. While radiation therapy often leads to successful patient outcomes, it is important to protect surrounding healthy tissue from radiation exposure. Damage to this healthy tissue can result in long-term side effects, which can impact patients’ quality of life.
Prostate cancer specialists from Associated Medical Professionals of NY, are among the first in the Syracuse area to use Barrigel®, an advanced technology that protects healthy tissue from radiation exposure.
Biodegradable gel that is injected between the prostate and the rectum
The Barrigel® gel creates therapeutic distance between the two organs, lowering the risk of toxicity to the rectum and, if desired, the seminal vesicles which produce fluid that becomes part of the semen. This technique minimizes potential unwanted side effects and complications of prostate radiotherapy.
Reduces unwanted side effects
In the first FDA clinical study of a rectal spacer using a shortened course of radiotherapy (hypofractionated radiotherapy) 98.5% of patients showed Barrigel to be effective in achieving a significant reduction in radiation to the rectum.[2] This reduced unwanted side effects, including inflammation of the rectum (radiation proctitis), diarrhea, and hemorrhoids.
Barrigel is made from Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA®), which has been proven safe and effective, and has been used for more than 20 years in over 50 million medical procedures in men, women and children worldwide.[3] A groundbreaking spacing technology, Barrigel addresses the limitations of current spacing materials by offering patient-specific customization with the ability to sculpt the spacer for personalized coverage. The result is more efficient, patient tailored results for optimal coverage.
- American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer. www.cancer.org. Accessed: January 12, 2023.www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.
- Mariados NF, Orio PF, Schiffman Z et al. Hyaluronic acid spacer for hypofractionated prostate radiation therapy: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Oncol. 2023: e1-e8.
- Restylane® celebrates 25 years of natural-looking results with its signature line of hyaluronic acid fillers. 2021. Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/restylane-celebrates-25-years-of-natural-looking-results-with-its-signature-line-of-hyaluronic-acid-fillers-301388779.html. Accessed Sept 30, 2021.