Radiation therapy is extremely effective in treating prostate cancer. Today,
survival rate for patients undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer
are among the highest of any forms of cancer.
Radiation Therapy technology has greatly improved leading to more targeted
treatment; however, the threat of side effects remains. One of the biggest
risks of radiation therapy is injury to the rectum, which sits next to
the prostate gland.
The severity of these side effects varies from patient-to-patient and is
influenced by the dosage and frequency of the radiation therapy. For some
patients, these problems are mild and go away on their own. For others,
side effects can be debilitating and last years after treatment is completed.
SpaceOAR® hydrogel (OAR stands for “organ at risk” which
in this case is the rectum), helps protect your rectum during radiation
treatments to the prostate. Naturally, you may have questions about how
and why the procedure is done, and what to expect. This section will help
to answer many of the questions you may have about the procedure. It is
not intended to be a substitute for a thorough discussion with your physician.
If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, please feel
free to contact us at 540.741.0655.
Is it safe?
SpaceOAR hydrogel is mostly made of water, is biocompatible and is safely
used in the body. Similar hydrogels are used as surgical sealants on the
brain, spine, and eyes. SpaceOAR hydrogel is cleared for use in the United
States and approved in countries outside the United States.
Will I feel any pain during or after the procedure?
Your doctor will use an anesthetic to reduce or eliminate any discomfort
with the procedure. Patients that have SpaceOAR hydrogel implanted typically
report no prolonged discomfort after the procedure.
Will this procedure interfere with my normal activities?
You should be able to immediately resume your normal activities. Always
be sure to check with your doctor for any restrictions related to the
procedure and your radiation treatment.
Why should I have SpaceOAR hydrogel?
The goal of radiation therapy is to maximize radiation to the prostate
and to avoid radiating surrounding normal tissue. The prostate and rectum
are very close and are only naturally separated by a small space. Due
to this closeness, prostate radiation therapy can accidentally cause damage
to the rectum.
What is SpaceOAR hydrogel and how will it benefit me?
SpaceOAR hydrogel is a gel-like material that temporarily moves the rectal
wall away from the prostate during radiotherapy. By separating the prostate
from the rectum, SpaceOAR hydrogel reduces radiation dose delivered to
the rectum and may eliminate or reduce damage to the rectum. It may also
allow your doctor to enhance radiation treatment to your prostate to better
target the cancer or to reduce the total number of treatment sessions.
What is it made of and is it safe?
SpaceOAR hydrogel is made of two liquids that when combined form a soft
gel-like synthetic material that is mostly made of water. Because of its
water content it is called a hydrogel. The material that the SpaceOAR
hydrogel is made from has been used in other implants such as surgical
sealants used in the eye, brain and spine. Studies have shown that the
material is biocompatible and can be used safely in the body.
Where is the procedure done?
The procedure is commonly done in a hospital, surgery center, outpatient
clinic or doctor’s office.
How is it implanted?
SpaceOAR hydrogel is injected between the rectum and the prostate in a
minimally invasive procedure.
Will I be awake or asleep during the procedure?
The procedure can be performed under general, regional or local anesthesia.
You should discuss with your doctor which type of anesthesia is best for you.
Do I have to do any special preparation prior to the procedure?
While there is no required special preparation for the SpaceOAR hydrogel
procedure, your doctor may give you individual instructions on how to
prepare for the procedure and for any anesthesia you will receive. Always
ask your doctor what you should do in advance of the procedure.
Will I feel any discomfort or pain during or after the procedure?
Your doctor will either use an anesthetic that will put you to sleep during
the procedure or a local anesthetic that will numb the injection area.
You may feel a pinprick or pressure but should not feel any major discomfort.
After the procedure you may experience some temporary discomfort at the
injection site. SpaceOAR hydrogel patients typically report no prolonged
discomfort from the implanted hydrogel.
How soon can I go back to my normal activities?
You should be able to immediately resume your normal activities. Always
be sure to check with your doctor for any restrictions associated with
the procedure and your radiation treatment.
How long does it stay in my body?
SpaceOAR hydrogel separates your prostate and rectum for about 3 months
providing protection during radiation treatment and is naturally absorbed
in about six months – well after your last treatment.
To speak to one our specially trained Cancer Nurse Navigators with questions
of for more information, please call 540.741.1211.