A medical breakthrough has arrived in Far North Queensland, offering new hope and significantly improved quality of life for men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. A state-of-the-art procedure, which involves injecting a protective gel, is now being performed at Cairns Private Hospital, marking a major advancement for regional healthcare.
How the Protective Gel Technology Works
The treatment centres on a product called SpaceOAR Hydrogel. During a minimally invasive procedure, a urologist injects this water-based gel into the space between the prostate and the rectum. The gel temporarily creates a protective barrier, about the size of a sugar cube, that separates the two organs during a crucial phase of cancer treatment.
This separation is vital for patients receiving radiotherapy. Radiation is highly effective at targeting and killing cancer cells in the prostate, but it can also damage the nearby rectal wall, leading to severe and often long-term side effects. These can include rectal bleeding, pain, urgency, and bowel incontinence, which drastically impact a patient's life.
By pushing the rectum out of the high-dose radiation zone, the SpaceOAR gel acts as a protective shield. Clinical studies show the technology can reduce the risk of moderate to severe rectal complications by up to 70%. The gel remains in place for about three months before it is naturally absorbed and excreted by the body in urine.
A Game-Changer for Patients in the Region
For men in Far North Queensland, this development means access to cutting-edge care without the need to travel interstate. The first patient to receive the treatment in Cairns was Ian McBurney, a 70-year-old local. His experience underscores the treatment's benefits.
Mr McBurney was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2023. Faced with the prospect of radiotherapy, he was deeply concerned about the potential side effects he had heard from others. The availability of SpaceOAR at his local hospital provided a much-needed alternative. He underwent the gel injection procedure and has since commenced his radiotherapy with far greater peace of mind.
The procedure is performed by urologist Dr Sree Appu at Cairns Private Hospital. Dr Appu emphasises that this is about more than just treating cancer; it's about preserving a patient's quality of life. "The goal is to cure the cancer but also to allow men to return to their normal lives without the burden of debilitating side effects," he stated. The injection itself takes only about 10 minutes and is done under general anaesthetic.
Expanding Access to Advanced Healthcare
The introduction of this technology in Cairns is a significant step in addressing the healthcare disparity between major cities and regional Australia. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australian men, and patients in remote areas have historically faced greater burdens when seeking advanced treatments.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to localise complex cancer care. By bringing such procedures to Far North Queensland, it alleviates the emotional and financial stress associated with relocating for treatment. It allows patients to receive world-class care while remaining close to their support networks of family and friends.
The successful rollout in Cairns demonstrates that regional hospitals can be at the forefront of medical innovation. It paves the way for other advanced treatments to be offered locally, ensuring that all Australians, regardless of their postcode, have access to the best possible healthcare outcomes.
For men in the region facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, this new option represents a powerful combination of effective treatment and reduced personal impact, turning a challenging journey into one with a more hopeful and comfortable path forward.
