Cross-linked hyaluronan gel improves the quality of life of prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that cross-linked hyaluronan gel (Hylaform) does not affect the quality of life (QOL) of prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Methods And Materials: Thirty-five patients with early stage prostate cancer underwent high-dose-rate brachytherapy to 2200 cGy and intensity modulated radiation therapy to 5040 cGy on a prospective study. Thirty patients received a single transperineal injection of 9-mL Hylaform between the prostate and rectum under transrectal ultrasound guidance immediately before the start of radiotherapy.

Cross-linked hyaluronan gel reduces the acute rectal toxicity of radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Purpose: To prospectively analyze whether cross-linked hyaluronan gel reduces the mean rectal dose and acute rectal toxicity of radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Methods And Materials: Between September 2008 and March 2009, we transperitoneally injected 9 mL of cross-linked hyaluronan gel (Hylaform; Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA) into the anterior perirectal fat of 10 early-stage prostate cancer patients to increase the separation between the prostate and rectum by 8 to 18 mm at the start of radiotherapy. Patients then underwent high-dose rate brachytherapy to 2,200 cGy followed by intensity-modulated radiation therapy to 5,040 cGy.

Preliminary results in prostate cancer patients treated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) vs. IMRT alone.

Purpose: To analyze results with high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) vs. IMRT alone for prostate cancer.

Methods And Materials: Between October 2003 and August 2008, 284 patients with early stage prostate cancer underwent HDR brachytherapy to 2200cGy and IMRT to 5040cGy (n=240) or IMRT alone to 7920-8100cGy (n=44).