The first implantation of an absorbable product to protect vulnerable tissue in radiotherapy has been performed in a German hospital.

The SpaceOAR prostate-rectum spacer from Augmenix was implanted in a patient by Prof. Michael Eble and Dr. Michael Pinkawa of the Aachen University Hospital, following CE Mark approval of the device.

The brand (whose name is a compression of 'spacing organs at risk') is a tissue-compatible, absorbable hydrogel spacer designed to protect rectal tissue from exposure to radiation during prostate cancer treatment.

In the past, there has been a need to compromise between effective radiation treatment of prostate cancer and acceptable complication rates. The SpaceAOR system can alter the compromise by moving healthy organs away from the high-intensity radiation.

"The potential for radiation injury to nearby healthy tissues is always a concern for radiation oncologists, and the SpaceOAR hydrogel is a simple, easy-to-use tool that should reduce undesirable rectal radiation in prostate cancer patients," said Dr. Pinkawa, Radiation Oncologist. "I look forward to using SpaceOAR hydrogel in my prostate cancer population and in other pelvic tumors such as vaginal, cervical, and endometrial cancers."

The SpaceOAR device is a synthetic hydrogel comprising 90% water and 10% polyethylene glycol. Injected as a liquid, the material solidifies in the body to form an absorbable structure.

"We look forward to bringing this product to market, and to providing radiation oncologists and urologists with a new tool that protects healthy tissues," said Amar Sawhney, CEO of Augmenix.