Rectal spacer for radiation of prostate cancer – pro
SpaceOAR, a Food and Drug Administration-approved hydrogel can be used to reduce rectal toxicity of radiation. It acts as a spacer providing space between the rectum and the prostate, making it much less likely that the rectum is exposed to radiation. It 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 is minimally invasive, remains stable during radiation therapy and then is gradually absorbed by the body after radiation therapy has been completed. Recent studies suggest that this does in fact reduce the rectal dose, toxicity, and improves quality of life.
Hamstra DA 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):976-985.
Hamstra D, et al. Evaluation of sexual function on a randomized trial of a prostate rectal spacer. J Clin Oncol 35, 2017 (suppl 6S; abstract 69)