Boston Scientific SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel
Radiation Treatment Spacer
At a Glance
- Provides fewer long-term side effects from radiation therapy
- More likely to report maintenance of sexual function
- Lower decline in urinary and bowel function
The Details
Radiation therapy can be extremely effective in treating prostate cancer, but as with any procedure, there are potential side effects. The prostate is next to the rectum. Due to the proximity, prostate radiation therapy can unintentionally cause damage to the rectum, which can lead to issues with bowel function.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel is designed to temporarily create space between the prostate and the rectum, reducing the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during prostate radiation therapy which may lessen damage to the rectum.
What to know about Boston Scientific SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel
How it Works
SpaceOAR Hydrogel 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 remains stable during radiation therapy and then is gradually absorbed by the body after radiation therapy has been completed.
Who’s it For?
SpaceOAR Hydrogel is an option for men who undergo radiation treatment for prostate cancer.
Effectiveness
SpaceOAR Hydrogel provides space between the rectum and the prostate, reducing high dose radiation to the rectum. Control patients (patients who didn’t use SpaceOAR Hydrogel for prostate cancer radiation treatment) were 8x more likely to have a decline in bowel, urinary and sexual quality of life when compared to SpaceOAR Hydrogel patients at median of 3 years.
Boston Scientific SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel Side Effects
Please talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel. Potential complications associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel include, but are not limited to, inflammatory reactions, infection, bleeding, and pain or discomfort from the injection.
Good to Know
The procedure to implant SpaceOAR Hydrogel is generally a brief outpatient procedure, and can be done in a doctor’s office, hospital or clinic before starting radiation treatment.
Level Up Your Knowledge
Helpful Articles
How An Enlarged Prostate Affects Your Sexual Health
In this article, Dr. Barbalat discusses the importance of treating the bothersome urinary symptoms of BPH and the longterm complications they can cause, while keeping the patient’s sexual function and goals in mind.
Prostate Surgery and Erectile and Ejaculatory Function
In this article Dr. Loh-Doyle discusses surgical options for treating BPH and prostate cancer and their impact on ejaculatory and erectile function.
Having trouble urinating? You may have BPH
In this article Dr. Martinez discusses the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer, and why it's important to see your urologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Make Space for Life as Usual
A little space before prostate radiation
SpaceOAR.com
Are you about to undergo radiation on your prostate? Visit SpaceOAR.com to learn more about SpaceOAR Hydrogel and the benefits it offers patients undergoing radiation.
Visit SpaceOAR.com
Don’t forget to check these out
Treatments to help you after radiation or surgery
Radical Prostatectomy
Radical Prostatectomy (RP) is a surgery to remove the prostate gland and some surrounding tissues. RP is typically used to treat prostate cancer that hasn’t spread outside of your prostate gland.
Tamsulosin
Tamsulosin contains the same active ingredient found in Flomax®. Requires a prescription and is available in .4mg capsules.
Tadalafil
Same active ingredient found in Cialis. Taken one hour prior to sexual activity. Effective for up to 36 hours.
Available in 5mg and 20mg tablets or lozenges, prescription required.
Boston Scientific AMS 800™
This implanted device is a three-part urinary control system designed to treat male urinary incontinence following prostate procedures.
