HMN 2026: How Hyaluronic acid could be key to improving gynecological cancer treatment

A world-first study led by Austin Health’s clinician-researchers has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of using stabilized hyaluronic acid (sHA) gel as a rectal spacer during radiation treatment for gynecological cancers.

The work is published in the Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences.

This gel, already approved by the TGA for use in prostate cancer radiation treatment, was investigated for the first time in women as a means to gently create more space between the tumor and the rectum during MRI-guided brachytherapy, a type of internal radiation treatment.

By creating this space, clinicians aimed to reduce radiation exposure to the rectum, allowing a higher dose of radiation to reach the tumor with more effective targeting, reducing damage to healthy tissue and potentially improving treatment results.

In this study, 12 patients received the sHA gel spacer as part of their treatment. The procedure was successful for all patients, with no complications related to the gel. Doctors found the gel easy to use and clearly visible on MRI scans, making it simple to check its position throughout treatment; and importantly, the patients felt no discomfort with the spacer.

The gel increased the distance between the tumor and the rectum for all 12 patients and safely stayed in place during the course of brachytherapy. The gel dissolves safely in the body over time, as shown through its existing use in prostate cancer treatment.

While this study did not look at long-term side effects or changes in radiation dose to the rectum, it shows that using sHA gel as a spacer is safe and feasible for people with gynecological cancer. These findings take us one step closer to treatments that not only target tumors more effectively but also minimize side effects on healthy tissue.

Our researchers will be conducting further studies to review long-term results and the impact on rectum doses.

These preliminary results mark an important step towards ensuring gender equitable access to gel spacers for patients with gynecological cancer, paving the way for treatments that are not only safer but also more precise.

By reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissue and enabling better targeting of tumors, this approach has the potential to improve quality of life, minimize long-term side effects, and deliver more effective cancer care for women worldwide.

Dr. Carminia Lapuz says, “This study is a world-first in exploring stabilized hyaluronic acid (sHA) gel’s potential to improve outcomes for patients undergoing brachytherapy for gynecological cancers. Our findings show the procedure is safe, feasible, and offers promising technical advantages.

“By increasing the distance between the tumor and the rectum, we hope to pave the way for safer, more effective treatments and greater equity in cancer care.”

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Austin Health

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