SURGEONS at a hospital are the first in the region to use 'space' technology to treat cancer patients.

The surgeons performed the SpaceOAR hydrogel insertion in a 62-year-old patient during a 30 minutes procedure at Burnley General Hospital recently.

The new technology is a hydrogel which creates space between the rectum and the prostate, making it must less likely that the rectum is exposed to radiation.

Made mostly of water, SpaceOAR is injected before treatment starts and then remains in place during radiation therapy, before being naturally absorbed by the body after about six months.

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust said the technology has major benefits for patients receiving radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer.

The trust said it can also protect the long-term quality of life for men who have problems with bowel, urinary and erectile dysfunction.

Consultant urologists Mohammad Masaarane and Iain Campbell, assisted by theatre practitioners Nicola Burnley, Clare Matthews and Tracy Gowerson, performed the procedure.

Mr Masaarane, said: “This is fantastic news for prostate cancer patients, who now have the opportunity to undergo radiation treatment while minimising potential side effects.

"The Hydrogel Spacer is clinically proven to lower radiation exposure to the surrounding organs and tissues."

Mr Campbell, who is the trust's clinical director for urology, said: “New technology such as SpaceOAR hydrogel are important, they give men the confidence that not only are we doing our best to treat the cancer, but also that we are protecting their long-term quality of life from bowel, urinary and erectile dysfunction."

The trust is one of only ten nationwide chosen to pioneer the SpaceOAR technology for patients with prostate cancer.

Able to reduce the side-effects of radiotherapy for prostate cancer patients by over 70 per cent, SpaceOAR is part of the NHS Long Term Plan to put cutting-edge treatments at the heart of people’s care.

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said the technology would mean safer treatment for patients.

He said: “This further advance in NHS care for prostate cancer means patients will have safer treatment with fewer side effects.

“It’s another step forward in world class cancer care."

Heather Blake, director of support and influencing at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “While radiotherapy is very effective at treating cancer, it can also cause side effects, including bowel, urinary and sexual problems.

“We welcome any proven innovations that will help reduce these side effects, and are pleased to see the NHS taking action to make sure they reach men as soon as possible.”

Professor Amit Bahl, consultant clinical oncologist at University Hospitals Bristol, added: “This is a fantastic outcome for prostate cancer patients, who now have the opportunity to undergo radiation treatment with minimising the associated potential side effects. The Hydrogel Spacer is clinically proven to lower radiation exposure to the surrounding organs and tissues."