SpaceOAR

SpaceOAR Hydrogel significantly minimizes the known side effects and toxicity of prostate cancer radiation therapy.

What is SpaceOAR?

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel that temporarily creates space between the prostate and rectum, and reduces the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during radiation therapy. It has been clinically shown to help reduce the side effects of radiation therapy and improve patient quality of life.

The prostate is next to the rectum and naturally separated by a small space. Due to the proximity, prostate radiation therapy can unintentionally cause damage to the rectum, which can lead to issues with bowel function.

The hydrogel spacer pushes the rectum away from the prostate and is designed to decrease rectal injury during prostate radiation therapy. By pushing the prostate farther from the rectum, the radiation dose delivered to the rectum is reduced, which may help minimize the side effects of radiation therapy.

We can help

Who is a Candidate for SpaceOAR?

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will be undergoing radiation treatment, the SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel pre-treatment option that may help minimize the potential side effects of radiation therapy.

Inquire for more information

Benefits of SpaceOAR

SpaceOAR Hydrogel has the ability to minimize the risk of bowel, urinary, and sexual side effects.

Fewer Bowel Complications

At 3 years, grade 1 rectal toxicity was decreased by 75% in patients treated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel versus those who were treated without it.

Fewer Urinary Complications

The use of SpaceOAR Hydrogel reduced the likelihood of more serious changes in urinary quality of life by 60% compared to those without the use of it.

Fewer Sexual Complications

SpaceOAR Hydrogel patients who had erections sufficient for intercourse at baseline were 67% more likely to retain erectile function at 3 years.

Request a consultation

A dedicated team for all your treatment needs.

Consult with our world-class medical experts within days of your call.

How Does it Work?

When treating prostate cancer patients with radiation therapy, the goal is to destroy the cancer cells while avoiding damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Procedure

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is injected as a liquid through a needle inserted between the rectum and the prostate. It can be implanted via a local anesthetic that will numb the injection area or under general anesthesia that will put a patient to sleep during the procedure.

SpaceOAR Hydrogel stays in place for about 3 months and is naturally absorbed into the body and removed through urine in about 6 months.

Rectal wall toxicity from radiation

Prevents toxicity to erections, urinary control & rectal wall

Long term difference rates of late toxicity radiation proctitis and protection offered by spaceOAR

Effective symptom relief with minimally invasive and low risk treatments.

Risks

Potential complications that may be associated with the use of SpaceOAR Hydrogel include, but are not limited to:

Pain or discomfort associated with
SpaceOAR hydrogel injection
Local inflammatory reactions
Infection (including abscess)
Urinary retention
Urgency (e.g. urinary and rectal)
Constipation (acute, chronic, or secondary to outlet obstruction)

Resources

FAQS

What is SpaceOAR Hydrogel made of?

SpaceOAR Hydrogel consists of mostly water (90%) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) that when combined, form a soft gel material. PEG materials have undergone extensive biocompatibility and safety testing and are used in a number of other medical applications such as surgical sealants used in the eye, brain, and spine.

Where is the procedure done?

SpaceOAR Hydrogel can be implanted as an outpatient procedure in a hospital, surgery center, outpatient clinic, or doctor’s office prior to the start of radiation treatment.

Why should I consider SpaceOAR Hydrogel?

The rectum and prostate are in close proximity, which means during radiation therapy for prostate cancer the rectum may also be affected by radiation, potentially leading to issues with bowel function or other side effects. SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based absorbable hydrogel that temporarily creates space between the prostate and rectum. SpaceOAR Hydrogel is designed to reduce the radiation dose to the rectum and may help minimize the side effects of radiation therapy.

Is SpaceOAR Hydrogel widely used?

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is now the option of choice for doctors and patients prior to radiation therapy. It is used in leading cancer centers, and with most types of radiation therapy. Many radiation oncologists, urologists and interventional radiologists recommend SpaceOAR Hydrogel for their prostate cancer patients.

How can SpaceOAR Hydrogel help me?

By acting as a spacer, the hydrogel temporarily moves the rectum on average a half inch (1.3 cm) away from the prostate. By separating the prostate from the rectum, SpaceOAR Hydrogel is designed to reduce the radiation dose delivered to the rectum and may help minimize the side effects of radiation therapy.

Testimonials

" When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, my greatest fear was a diminishment of any aspect of my life. SpaceOAR helped me avoid any of that. "

- Henry, SpaceOAR Procedure Patient

" When I was originally diagnosed with prostate cancer, my first thought was to get a prostatectomy, and just cut it out and let me get on down the road. After a lot of research, I decided a combination of brachytherapy and external beam radiation was the best option for treating my cancer. Once I learned more about SpaceOAR Hydrogel, there was no way I was going to get radiation therapy without it. "

- Pierre, SpaceOAR Procedure Patient