NEW DELHI, India — Australian researchers have demonstrated for the first time that the use of stabilised hyaluronic acid gel during radiation treatment for gynecological cancers is both safe and feasible, a development that could improve treatment precision and reduce damage to healthy tissue.
The study, led by a team from Monash University, explored the use of stabilised hyaluronic acid (sHA) gel in women undergoing MRI-guided brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy. The gel is already approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in prostate cancer radiation treatment.
Researchers investigated whether the gel could be used to gently create additional space between a tumor and the rectum during treatment. By increasing this distance, clinicians aim to limit radiation exposure to the rectum while allowing higher, more targeted doses of radiation to reach the tumor.
“This study is a world-first in exploring stabilised hyaluronic acid (sHA) gel’s potential to improve outcomes for patients undergoing brachytherapy for gynaecological cancers. Our findings show the procedure is safe, feasible, and offers promising technical advantages,” said Dr. Carminia Lapuz of Monash University.
“By increasing the distance between the tumour and the rectum, we hope to pave the way for safer, more effective treatments and greater equity in cancer care,” she added.
The findings were published in the Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences.
The small study involved 12 patients, with clinicians reporting that the gel was easy to use and clearly visible on MRI scans, allowing its placement to be monitored throughout treatment. Patients reported no discomfort from the spacer, and no complications related to the gel were observed.
In all 12 cases, the gel successfully increased the distance between the tumor and the rectum and remained safely in place for the duration of brachytherapy. The gel is designed to dissolve naturally in the body over time, a process already established through its use in prostate cancer treatment.
Although the study did not assess long-term side effects or measure changes in radiation dose to the rectum, researchers said the results confirm that sHA gel can be safely and effectively used as a spacer in gynecological cancer treatment.
By reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissue and improving tumor targeting, the approach has the potential to enhance quality of life, limit long-term side effects, and deliver more effective cancer care for women worldwide. (Source: IANS)
