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RecruitingLast updated: 4 February 2026

TUTELA: Evaluating whether a gel inserted prior to radiation therapy for prostate cancer effectively reduces the radiation to the rectum to reduce unwanted side effects and improve quality of lifeA Prospective, First-In-Human, Single Arm Study to Evaluate the SafeTy, Dosimetry, and Clinical Effects of a Perirectal Thermoresponsive Spacer Device in Patients Undergoing CuraTive Intent ProstatE Modulated Radiotherapy

Trial purpose

Medical clipboardCancer treatment; Side effect and wellbeing

Tumor type

Urinary System Cancers Genitourinary

Age

People18+

Trial acronym

TUTELA

Clinical summary

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of inserting Tutelix gel (a perirectal spacer) to reduce the dose of radiation to the rectum during radiation therapy for prostate cancer. 

Who is it for?
You may be eligible for this study if you have low to intermediate risk prostate cancer, have a life expectancy greater than 10 years, and are fit for Tutelix insertion as determined by radiation.

Study details
Participants will receive Tutelix solution injected through a fine gauge needle that forms a cohesive hydrogel matrix upon administration. 

Participants will then receive 60Gy in 20 fractions as part of definitive radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Following Tutelix insertion, participants will be assessed for dose of radiation, dosimetry, toxicity and product performance.

It is hoped the findings from the study will show the reduction in radiation exposure as a result of Tutelix will decrease bowel-related side effects of gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as improve patients' bowel-related quality of life.

Conditions

This trial is treating people with low to intermediate risk prostate cancer

Eligibility

Inclusion

Subjects who meet the following criteria and none of the exclusion criteria may be eligible for the Insertion of the IP:
1. Subject must sign an Informed Consent Form (ICF) indicating that he understands the purpose of, and procedures required for the study and is willing to participate for the entire duration.
2. Willing and able to complete all requested study follow up. Patients not suitable for MRI can still be registered on trial (and will not have day 28, 3, 6 and 12 month MRI)
3. Histologically proven low to intermediate risk prostate cancer (ISUP 1-3) suitable for LDR brachytherapy and Tutelix™ insertion as determined by radiation oncologist and proceduralist
4. Clinical stage T1c-­T2N0 or N0M0
5. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) 0-2
6. Gleason score < /= 7
7. Fit for general, spinal or local anaesthetic
8. Life expectancy > 10 years

Exclusion

 

Subjects who meet the exclusion criteria are not eligible for the Insertion of the IP:
1. Any patient with high-risk prostate cancer (T3a/b or T4, Gleason Score 8 or above, PSA greater than 20.)
2. Metastatic disease including regional nodal metastasis
3. Patients requiring radiation to pelvis
4. Previous high dose radiation to the pelvis defined as any patient receiving more than 30Gy to below bottom of L5.
5. Inadequate urinary and bowel function for trial treatment.
6. Radio sensitising medications (e.g. methotrexate) excluding medications involved in hormonal manipulation as part of treatment for prostate cancer.
7. Inflammatory bowel disease and/or history of adhesions/bowel obstruction.
8. Bilateral hip replacement.
9. Cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) unless radiation dose to CIED approved by treating cardiologist/electrophysiologist
10. Estimated prostate volume >80cm3
11. Androgen deprivation therapy unless started or investigator intends to start less than 45 days prior to Injection and will continue for a total planned duration of 3-6 months.
12. Allergy to anaesthetic.
13. Known rectal perforation or pre-existing active prostatitis.
14. Ongoing inflammation or infection, in or near the intended treatment site.
15. Any patient with known bleeding disorder or concomitant medication that increases risk of bleeding that cannot safely be withheld for surgery, as deemed by investigator and proceduralist.
16. Subjects with known iodine allergies.

Inclusion

  • Your cancer has not spread to other parts of the body (localised).
  • You have the type of cancer, symptoms, or health risks that this clinical trial is focused on.

Exclusion

  • You have had certain treatments, surgical procedures or drugs.
Message

Clinical trials have complex eligibility criteria, and other criteria may apply for this trial. Ask your doctor about whether this trial could be right for you.

Participating hospitals

Recruiting hospitals

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More information

Trial Identifiers

Information on this page is partially produced from ANZCTR *. View further details about this trial on the registry via the links below:

Trial sponsor

Tutelix Pty Limited

Scientific Title

A Prospective, First-In-Human, Single Arm Study to Evaluate the SafeTy, Dosimetry, and Clinical Effects of a Perirectal Thermoresponsive Spacer Device in Patients Undergoing CuraTive Intent ProstatE Modulated Radiotherapy

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