RADA16 as a novel hemostatic and regenerative agent in urology: European Association of Urology endourology up-to-date overview.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Self-assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogels represent a novel class of synthetic biomaterials with growing relevance in surgery. Among them, the ion-complementary peptide RADA16 has gained attention as an athermal, transparent, and biocompatible hemostatic agent. While its use is increasingly reported in multiple surgical specialties, evidence specific to urology remains fragmented. This review aims to summarize the physicochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and current clinical evidence for RADA16-based hydrogels, with a particular focus on urological applications. RECENT FINDINGS: RADA16 rapidly self-assembles into a transparent, extracellular-matrix-like nanofibrillar hydrogel upon exposure to physiological fluids, providing effective local hemostasis without reliance on the coagulation cascade. Preclinical and clinical data from other surgical fields demonstrate rapid bleeding control, favorable safety, and potential regenerative effects. Emerging urological evidence suggests that RADA16 is effective in managing hemorrhagic cystitis, radiation-induced hematuria, and bleeding during prostate surgery, including robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and benign prostate surgery. Beyond hemostasis, RADA16 may support wound healing and promotion of re-epithelialization. However, the current evidence base is limited by small sample sizes, lack of comparative studies, heterogeneous methodologies, and short follow-up. SUMMARY: RADA16-based hydrogels represent a promising adjunctive hemostatic option in urology, offering technical advantages such as transparency, absence of thermal injury, minimal swelling, and applicability in confined or high-risk settings. Robust prospective, comparative, and cost-effectiveness studies are required to define its definitive role in routine urological practice.