SpaceOAR

The SpaceOAR System reduces rectal injury in men receiving prostate cancer radiation therapy

The SpaceOAR System reduces rectal injury in men receiving prostate cancer radiation therapy (RT) by acting as a spacer – pushing the rectum away from the prostate. Placed between the prostate and rectum, SpaceOAR hydrogel pushes the rectum out of the radiation region. Like prostate cancer cells, cells in the rectum may also be damaged by the radiation, although with today’s radiation technology, this is rare. The hydrogel spacer is injected during a minimally invasive procedure, and — once in place — patients typically can’t feel it. The hydrogel is safe and similar to other products used in brain surgery, cardiology and ophthalmology. It remains in place for 3 months during radiation treatment, and is then absorbed and leaves the body in the patient’s urine — leaving nothing behind.