Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) announced today that it has launched a product to help reduce radiation side effects in prostate cancer patients.
The SpaceOAR Vue hydrogel is designed to create a temporary space between the prostate and rectum during radiation therapy, according to a news release. The hydrogel’s use also enables radiology staff to use computerized tomography (CT) scans instead of requiring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Marlborough, Mass.-based Boston Scientific touts the SpaceOAR hydrogel as the first FDA-cleared hydrogel perirectal spacer.
In a randomized clinical study, more men in the control group at three years had experienced declines in bowel (41% vs. 14% in the spacer group) and urinary (30% vs. 17%) quality of life. More men who were potent at baseline and treated with the hydrogel were able to achieve erections sufficient for intercourse (66.7% vs. 37.5%), too.
“SpaceOAR Vue hydrogel demonstrates our commitment to continually respond to the needs of healthcare professionals to help them provide patients with the best care possible,” Boston Scientific senior VP & president of its urology and pelvic health segment Meghan Scanlon said in the release. “With SpaceOAR Vue hydrogel, physicians may be able to improve the department’s procedural workflow by creating treatment plans using only a CT scan, thereby reducing the need for patients to obtain a post-procedural MRI scan.”
