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Radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Common types of radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. Depending on health factors and your stage of prostate cancer, radiation therapy may be a treatment option. SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel is designed to help reduce the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during treatment for prostate cancer and may help minimize side effects associated with treatment.1

Together with your physician, you’ll choose the best course of treatment for your prostate cancer journey.

SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel can be used in all types of prostate cancer radiation therapy and may help minimize the side effects associated with treatment.

EBRT icon.

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)2

In EBRT, a machine outside the body focuses beams of radiation on the prostate. Most patients get external radiation therapy over many weeks, during outpatient visits to a hospital or treatment center. Treatments are reported to be painless and generally last a few minutes.

 

Internal radiation icon.

Internal radiation (or brachytherapy)2

Internal radiation involves putting a radioactive source inside the body or near the tumor. Brachytherapy may come in the form of seed implantation, which uses radioactive pellets inserted into the prostate. Internal radiation can be used in conjunction with EBRT if necessary.

 

SBRT icon.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT or CyberKnife®)2

SBRT uses advanced imaging techniques to deliver precise, very large doses of radiation to the prostate. SBRT therapy is given over the course of a few days rather than a few weeks like EBRT.

Proton beam therapy icon.

Proton beam therapy2

Proton beam therapy uses proton beams in lieu of X-rays or photons to more precisely deliver high dose radiation to cancerous cells in the prostate. This has less of an impact on surrounding healthy tissues and important organs, such as the bladder and rectum.

 

While these are four common types of radiation for prostate cancer, they may not be available everywhere or appropriate for every patient. Research all of your options on the American Cancer Society website at cancer.org, and choose the best treatment option based on the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Explore clinical outcomes for radiation

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions, like “Why consider SpaceOAR Hydrogel?” “How can SpaceOAR Hydrogel help me?” and “How long will it remain in my body?”

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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;92(5):971–977.
  2. Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/radiation-therapy.html. Accessed February 2026.

SpaceOAR and SpaceOAR Vue Hydrogels are intended to reduce the amount of radiation that is delivered to the rectum during radiotherapy for prostate cancer by creating more space between the prostate and the rectum. The products maintain space for approximately 12 weeks and are absorbed and passed naturally by the body in about 6 months, but it may take longer to fully absorb.

SpaceOAR and SpaceOAR Vue Hydrogels contain polyethylene glycol (PEG). SpaceOAR Vue contains iodine. The use of these products in patients who are sensitive or allergic to these materials has not been studied.

With all medical procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure and the use of the device, including long-term implantation. The risks 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 or pass stool, 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 (which may range from briefly losing consciousness to more serious symptoms where CPR might be needed), bleeding. Patients who have undergone previous pelvic radiation therapy may have an increased risk of fistula.

If one or more of these complications occur, you may need medical treatment or surgery. Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the use of the device.

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.

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.

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