Separating prostate cancer cure from toxicity
SpaceOAR™ is a temporary gel spacer injected between the prostate and rectum prior to prostate radiation treatment. It increases the space between the prostate and rectum and therefore significantly decreases the amount of radiation that the rectum receives which reduces the risk of any short or long-term side effects. I consider SpaceOAR™ for all patients who are planned to receive radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
SpaceOAR Procedure
SpaceOAR™ hydrogel is injected into the fat-containing space between the prostate and rectum. A needle is inserted through the skin of the perineum into the peri-rectal fat under ultrasound guidance. Saline is injected to open the space and confirm proper placement. The SpaceOAR™ hyrogel is then injected into the space and the procedure is completed.
Rectal-Prostate Separation
Pre-implant
Post-implant
Insertion of SpaceOAR™ hydrogel spacer results in approximately 1.3 cm of space between the prostate and rectum at mid gland
Improved quality of life
Randomized trials have demonstrated a significant Quality of Life benefit in patients undergoing prostate radiation therapy who had a temporary rectal hydrogel spacer placed prior to treatment.
