Tampa, FL – Tampa General Hospital (TGH), collaborating with Florida Urology Partners, marks a national first by introducing a cutting-edge, FDA-cleared procedure designed to enhance prostate cancer radiation therapy. This advanced technology minimizes harm to healthy tissues during treatment.
Barrigel, the newly adopted technology, is an injectable, biodegradable gel. It acts as a protective barrier, positioning itself between the prostate and rectum. This strategic placement is crucial during radiation therapy for prostate cancer, as it shields healthy rectal tissue from unnecessary radiation exposure. The gel remains effective throughout the radiation treatment period and is naturally absorbed by the body in approximately three months post-procedure.
“This advancement is truly transformative,” states Dr. Raviender Bukkapatnam, Chief of the Urology Institute at Tampa General. “Our primary goal with radiation treatment is to effectively eradicate cancer in a non-invasive manner. Barrigel significantly aids us in achieving this by safeguarding the healthy tissues surrounding the prostate gland while we deliver curative radiation. It represents a significant leap forward in patient-centric cancer care.”
Dr. Alexander Engelman, Radiation Oncologist at Florida Urology Partners and Director of Radiation Oncology at TGH Cancer Institute, has the distinction of being the first physician in the United States to perform this procedure after its recent FDA clearance. Patients of both Tampa General and Florida Urology Partners can now benefit from this procedure in an outpatient setting, highlighting the convenience and accessibility of this innovative treatment.
Administered as a gel, Barrigel effectively prevents radiation from reaching the rectum, thereby substantially decreasing potential damage and subsequent side effects commonly associated with prostate cancer radiation therapy. The procedure itself is brief, typically under 30 minutes, and is conveniently performed on an outpatient basis. Importantly, the treatment is covered by the majority of insurance plans, making it accessible to a broad range of patients. This breakthrough has the potential to positively impact the lives of many of the estimated 268,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer annually in the United States, a significant portion of whom will undergo radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan.
“Barrigel empowers us to aggressively target the cancer for a cure while concurrently mitigating side effects,” explains Dr. Engelman. “This dual benefit significantly enhances the recovery process and overall healing experience for our patients.” Dr. Engelman also served as Tampa’s lead principal investigator during the national clinical trials for Barrigel, underscoring his expertise and commitment to this innovative solution.
“Being at the forefront, offering such an innovative approach that demonstrably improves patient outcomes, aligns perfectly with the vision we established when launching the Cancer Institute in April 2021,” comments Dr. Eduardo Sotomayor, Director of the TGH Cancer Institute. “Barrigel exemplifies our commitment to providing both innovative and compassionate care to our patients.”
Prostate cancer remains the second most prevalent cancer among men in the U.S., tragically claiming over 35,000 lives each year. While survival rates are generally high due to effective treatments like radiation therapy, the potential side effects of radiation exposure can significantly diminish patients’ quality of life post-treatment. Barrigel offers a promising solution to alter this equation, 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 state-of-the-art technologies that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Barrigel’s unique properties allow it to be precisely sculpted to each patient’s individual anatomy, ensuring optimal protection,” Dr. Tuli elaborates. “Furthermore, its flexibility allows it to move naturally with the body post-treatment, and it is completely absorbed by the body over time. It is genuinely a groundbreaking advancement in the field of radiation oncology and represents a significant enhancement to the prostate cancer treatment options offered by urology partners like Florida Urology Partners and Tampa General Hospital.”
For individuals seeking further details on urology and cancer services provided by Tampa General, please visit the TGH Urology Institute and TGH Cancer Institute websites.
About Tampa General Hospital
Tampa General Hospital, a leading 1,040-bed non-profit academic medical center, is recognized as one of the largest hospitals in the nation, dedicated to delivering world-class healthcare. As the region’s only Level I trauma center and comprehensive burn care facility, TGH is equipped to handle the most critical medical needs. Consistently ranked as the top hospital in the Tampa Bay area by U.S. News & World Report, Tampa General Hospital is also recognized statewide as a healthcare leader. Its commitment to excellence has been further acknowledged by Fortune/Merative, naming TGH as a model of excellence. Tampa General Hospital is also a primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, solidifying its role in medical education and advancement.
[Image of medical professionals discussing patient care, possibly featuring doctors from Tampa General Hospital or Florida Urology Partners]
Alt text: Urology partners discussing innovative prostate cancer treatment options at Tampa General Hospital.
[Image of Barrigel injection procedure or a diagram illustrating how Barrigel protects the rectum during prostate radiation therapy]
Alt text: Barrigel gel injection for prostate cancer radiation therapy, protecting healthy rectal tissue.
[Image of Tampa General Hospital building or logo, emphasizing the partnership with Florida Urology Partners]
Alt text: Tampa General Hospital in partnership with Florida Urology Partners, offering advanced urology care.
