SpaceOARTM Hydrogel
What is SpaceOAR® Hydrogel?
SpaceOAR hydrogel is an option for men who undergo radiation treatment for prostate cancer. It acts as a spacer providing space between the rectum and the prostate, making it much less likely that the rectum is exposed to radiation. It is injected into place prior to the start of radiation treatment. Patients may be awake or asleep under general anesthesia for the procedure. SpaceOAR hydrogel is minimally invasive, remains stable during radiation therapy and then is gradually absorbed by the body after radiation therapy has been completed.
Why is SpaceOAR® important to patients?
Potential radiation therapy side effects can be reduced. Because of the proximity of the rectum and prostate, radiation therapy for prostate cancer can cause unintended damage to the rectum, which can lead to fecal incontinence issues or other lasting side effects. As this could be a barrier for men seeking treatment, it’s important to know there are options available to help reduce these risks. SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel is an absorbable gel inserted via a minimally invasive procedure that helps reduce the radiation exposure to the rectum. It has been evaluated in clinical studies and shown to be safe and effective in reducing the side effects of radiation therapy to the rectal area. To date, more than 50,000 patients worldwide have been successfully treated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel.1
Read about owner of Quiki Oil Change centers and one of our patients who embraced this new technology to help him with his radiation treatment for Prostate Cancer: The Quiki King quickly overcomes cancer
References
- Data on file with Boston Scientific.
