Minimizing Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

More than 60,000 American men opt to treat their prostate cancer with radiation therapy each year. Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy to destroy cancer cells. The main types of radiation therapy used for prostate cancer are external beam radiation or brachytherapy (internal radiation).1,2

How Anatomy Impacts Radiation

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.3

Without SpaceOAR Hydrogel

Without the presence of SpaceOAR Hydrogel, radiation is more likely to reach the rectum.3

With SpaceOAR Hydrogel

SpaceOAR Hydrogel temporarily creates space between the prostate and rectum, designed to reduce the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during prostate cancer radiation.

How Does SpaceOAR Hydrogel Help Minimize the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?

The hydrogel temporarily creates space between the prostate and rectum – approximately a half inch (1.3 cm). By separating the prostate from the rectum, SpaceOAR Hydrogel reduces the radiation dose delivered to the rectum and may reduce bowel side effects, as well as urinary and sexual side effects.4,5

How is SpaceOAR Hydrogel Implanted?

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is inserted during a minimally invasive procedure and remains in place for 3 months.  The hydrogel is then naturally absorbed in approximately 6 months and cleared from the patients body through urine. View the SpaceOAR Hydrogel procedure page to learn more.

Finding a SpaceOAR Hydrogel Doctor Near You is Simple

Get started by entering your ZIP code below and click submit. You will be redirected to a map view showing you the nearest doctors to your location.
*Please note, there may be other doctors in your area who treat prostate cancer not listed here.

Computer with map of local doctors. Computer with map of local doctors.

References

  1. Treatment for Prostate Cancer: External-Beam Radiation Therapy. https://www.pcf.org/c/treatment-for-prostate-cancer-external-beam-radiation-therapy/. Accessed October 2020.
  2. Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/radiation-therapy.html. Accessed October 2020.
  3. Mariados N, Sylvester J, Shah D, et al. Hydrogel spacer prospective multicenter randomized controlled pivotal trial: Dosimetric and clinical effects of perirectal spacer application in men undergoing prostate image guided intensity modulated radiation therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2015 Aug 1;92(5):971-7.
  4. Hamstra DA, Mariados N, Sylvester J, et al. Continued benefit to rectal separation for prostate radiation therapy: Final results of a phase III trial. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2017 Apr 1;97(5):976-85.
  5. Hamstra DA, Mariados N, Sylvester J, et al. Sexual quality of life following prostate intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with a rectal/prostate spacer: Secondary analysis of a phase 3 trial. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2018 Jan-Feb;8(1):e7-e15.

Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France.

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is intended to temporarily move the rectal wall away from the prostate during the course of radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer, and in creating this space it is the intent of SpaceOAR Hydrogel to reduce the radiation dose affecting the rectum. 

SpaceOAR Hydrogel contains polyethylene glycol (PEG). As with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved with the use of SpaceOAR Hydrogel. Potential complications associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel include, but are not limited to: pain associated with injection, pain or discomfort from the  hydrogel, site inflammation, infection (including abscess), inability to urinate, urgent need to urinate, constipation, rectal muscle spasm, damage to lining of rectum, ulcers, fistula (a hole between rectum and bladder, urethra, or skin below the scrotum), perforation (hole in prostate, bladder, urethra, rectum), necrosis (dead tissue), allergic reaction (local reaction or more severe reaction, such as anaphylaxis), embolism (blood vessel blockage is possible and may happen outside of the pelvis, potentially impacting vital organs or legs), fainting, and bleeding. Please talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits related to using SpaceOAR Hydrogel. If one or more of these complications occur, you may need medical treatment or surgery. URO-1288805-AA

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