Tampa, FL – In a significant advancement for prostate cancer treatment, Florida Urology Partners (FUP) and Tampa General Hospital (TGH) have joined forces to introduce a groundbreaking technology to the United States. As the first in the nation to offer the Barrigel procedure following its recent FDA clearance, this collaboration marks a major step forward in minimizing side effects and enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients. This innovative approach underscores Florida Urology Partners Tampa’s commitment to providing cutting-edge care and solidifies Tampa General Hospital’s position as a leader in medical innovation.
Barrigel, a flexible, injectable, and biodegradable material, acts as a protective barrier between the prostate and the rectum during radiation treatment. This temporary spacer is crucial in shielding healthy rectal tissues from radiation exposure, thereby reducing potential damage and side effects commonly associated with prostate cancer radiotherapy. Designed to remain in place throughout the radiation therapy course, Barrigel naturally dissolves within approximately three months post-treatment, leaving no permanent implant.
“This is truly a game-changing advancement in prostate cancer care,” stated Dr. Raviender Bukkapatnam, Chief of the Urology Institute at Tampa General. “Our primary goal with radiation treatment is to effectively eradicate cancer while minimizing invasiveness. Barrigel empowers us to precisely target cancerous cells while significantly safeguarding surrounding healthy tissues. It represents a monumental leap in our ability to deliver safer and more effective cancer care.”
Dr. Alexander Engelman, Director of Radiation Oncology at Florida Urology Partners and a radiation oncologist with the TGH Cancer Institute, holds the distinction of being the first physician in the U.S. to perform the Barrigel procedure after its FDA approval. Patients at both Tampa General Hospital and Florida Urology Partners Tampa benefit from this procedure in a convenient outpatient setting, allowing for a quicker return to their daily lives.
The Barrigel procedure involves injecting the gel into the body, where it creates a space that diverts radiation away from the rectum. This protective action significantly decreases the likelihood of radiation-induced damage to the rectal tissues and subsequent side effects. The outpatient procedure is typically completed in under 30 minutes and is covered by most insurance plans, making this advanced treatment accessible to a broad range of patients. With an estimated 268,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer annually in the United States, many of whom will undergo radiation therapy, Barrigel offers a significant opportunity to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
“Barrigel is instrumental in allowing us to maximize the curative potential of radiation therapy while concurrently minimizing the debilitating side effects for our patients,” explained Dr. Engelman. “This balance is key to a smoother recovery and an improved overall healing journey for individuals undergoing prostate cancer treatment.” Dr. Engelman also served as Tampa’s lead principal investigator for the national Barrigel clinical trial, demonstrating Florida Urology Partners Tampa’s commitment to participating in cutting-edge research and bringing the latest advancements to patient care.
Dr. Eduardo Sotomayor, Director of the TGH Cancer Institute, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “Being the first in the nation to offer such an innovative solution that markedly enhances patient care aligns perfectly with the vision we established when launching the Cancer Institute in April 2021. Barrigel exemplifies our dedication to providing both innovative and compassionate care, ensuring our patients have access to the most advanced treatment options available.”
Prostate cancer remains the second most prevalent cancer among men in the United States and tragically accounts for over 35,000 deaths each year. While survival rates are high due to effective treatments like radiation therapy, the potential side effects can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Barrigel is poised to alter this paradigm, offering a way to mitigate these side effects and improve the patient experience, according to Dr. Richard Tuli, Professor and Chair of Radiation Oncology at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Deputy Director of the TGH Cancer Institute.
“We are committed to integrating groundbreaking technologies that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Barrigel’s unique characteristic of being sculptable allows for a personalized fit, ensuring optimal protection tailored to each patient’s individual anatomy,” Dr. Tuli elaborated. “Its flexibility and complete absorption post-treatment truly mark it as a revolutionary advancement in radiation oncology.”
For individuals seeking further information about urology and cancer services at Tampa General Hospital and Florida Urology Partners Tampa, please visit TGH Urology Institute and TGH Cancer Institute.
About Tampa General Hospital
Tampa General Hospital, a comprehensive academic medical center with 1,040 beds, is a leading healthcare provider in the region and among the largest hospitals in the United States. Renowned for delivering world-class care, TGH is designated as the area’s only Level I trauma center and comprehensive burn center. Consistently recognized for excellence, Tampa General Hospital holds the top ranking in the Tampa market by U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-23 Best Hospitals and is among the top three hospitals in Florida. Its commitment to quality and patient care has earned it recognition as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. As a safety net hospital, Tampa General is dedicated to serving the entire community, providing essential care regardless of patients’ financial circumstances. Furthermore, it serves as the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, contributing significantly to medical education and advancement in the region. For more information, please visit https://www.tgh.org.
