Rutherford Cancer Centre announces new collaboration to help prostate cancer patients in the North East

The Rutherford Cancer Centre North East has announced a collaboration with Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital to aid the treatment of prostate cancer radiotherapy patients.

A new oncology pathway for the North East introduced by the Rutherford Cancer Centre for its patients means that prostate cancer patients in the region can now have access locally to hydrogel spacers which reduce radiation exposure during radiotherapy treatment.

The pathway is designed to meet increasing demand for precision radiotherapy in the region. After undergoing the hydrogel spacer procedure, patients will typically commence their main treatment – radiotherapy or high energy proton beam therapy – at the Rutherford Cancer Centre in Bedlington.

The SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a soft gel that separates the rectum from the prostate, reducing radiation. The procedures to be carried out at Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital will be performed by leading urology consultant Mr Toby Page. Describing the pathway, Mr Page commented: “The provision of spacer devices to help minimise the impact of precision therapies on unaffected areas of tissue is a huge leap forward in prostate cancer treatment. I am pleased to be a part of this collaboration with the Rutherford Cancer Centre as we work together to help transform cancer care across the North East.”

Chris Land, centre manager at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North East, said: “The North East has some of the highest incidence of cancer in the UK, and prostate cancer is the most common cancer of them all. We are delighted to bring this crucial oncology pathway to the North East which cements the region’s reputation as a fast-emerging hub of cutting-edge cancer care and precision radiotherapy. Our excellent relationship with Nuffield Newcastle has been key in delivering this and we are confident that it will enhance patient outcomes across the region.”