Skip to main content

Prostate cancer treatment options*

Binocular icon.

Active surveillance

Because prostate cancer typically has a slow rate of progression, some men may never need treatment for their prostate cancer. Instead, their doctors may monitor it closely with regular tests and exams to determine if future treatment is needed.1

Icon of scalpel.

Surgery

The main type of surgery for prostate cancer is a radical prostatectomy, where the surgeon removes the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissue, including the seminal vesicles.2

Radiation icon.

Radiation

Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy to destroy cancer cells and can be delivered in two ways: external beam radiation or brachytherapy (internal radiation).3

*Other treatment options include chemotherapy, vaccine treatment, cryotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Know your options

Watch the video to learn about the most common prostate cancer treatment options and the potential benefits and risks of each.

How SpaceOAR Hydrogel fits into the treatment options

SpaceOAR Hydrogel, a minimally invasive pre-treatment option for men undergoing prostate cancer radiation therapy, is an absorbable gel that temporarily creates space between the prostate and rectum, designed to reduce the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during prostate cancer radiation therapy. The reduction in radiation exposure may lower a patient’s chance of developing late rectal complications, helping them maintain their quality of life.4

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is made up of two liquids that are mostly water and PEG, a material that is commonly used in other medical implants in the eye, brain, and spine. SpaceOAR Hydrogel is biocompatible, biodegradable, and naturally excreted through urine in approximately 6 months, however, it may take longer to fully absorb.

Middle-aged couple consulting with a physician.

Find a doctor near you who offers SpaceOAR Hydrogel

Find a doctor

References

  1. Observation or Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer. American Cancer Society. www.cancer.org. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/treating/watchful-waiting.html. Accessed February 2026.
  2. Surgery for Prostate Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/treating/surgery.html. Accessed February 2026.
  3. Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/treating/radiation-therapy.html. Accessed February 2026.
  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.

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.

This material is for informational Purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.

All images are the property of Boston Scientific.