Skip to main content
Middle-aged couple outdoors.

How SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel works

Download patient brochure

How does SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel work?

When treating prostate cancer patients with radiation therapy, the goal is to destroy the cancer cells while avoiding damage to surrounding healthy tissue. SpaceOAR Hydrogel, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel, is designed to help reduce the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during prostate cancer radiation treatments.1–3

Anatomy without SpaceOAR Hydrogel illustration.

Anatomy without SpaceOAR Hydrogel

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.

Anatomy with SpaceOAR Hydrogel illustration.

Anatomy with SpaceOAR Hydrogel

The hydrogel spacer pushes the rectum away from the prostate and is designed to decrease rectal injury during prostate radiation therapy.

SpaceOAR Hydrogel with radiation illustration.

SpaceOAR Hydrogel with 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.1–3

What is the 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 is used in a number of other medical applications such as surgical sealants used in the eye, brain, and spine.4

Older man looking at a brochure.

Find a doctor near you who offers SpaceOAR Hydrogel

Find a doctor
Icon of 3 people.

Hear from real SpaceOAR Hydrogel patients

View testimonials
FAQ icon.

Read our FAQ

Find answers to common questions, like “why have SpaceOAR Hydrogel,” “how will SpaceOAR Hydrogel help me?” and “how long will it remain in my body?”
See all
Icon of a document.

What should you ask your doctor?

Download discussion guide

Have more questions? We can help.

Sign up to receive more information about SpaceOAR Hydrogel. Our patient education team can provide you with details about how SpaceOAR Hydrogel works, what to ask your doctor and how to find a doctor in your area.

Are you a physician looking for more information? Please click here.

References

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Hamstra D, Shah D, Kurtzman S, et al. Evaluation of sexual function on a randomized trial of a prostate rectal spacer. J Clin Oncol. 2017 February 20;35(Suppl 6):69.
  4. Data on file with Boston Scientific

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

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.

All images are the property of Boston Scientific.