NEW HYDROGEL SPACER HELPS TO REDUCE SIDE-EFFECTS FOR PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS
SpaceOAR® Hydrogel has been designed to reduce radiation exposure to the organs surrounding the prostate. This, in turn, reduces the potential long-term side-effects of radiotherapy such as rectal bleeding, bowel dysfunction, urinary incontinence and potency.1,2,3
SpaceOAR® hydrogel is a soft gel that creates space between the prostate and rectum. Space is important – it helps maximise the radiation dose to the prostate gland and avoid unnecessary irradiation of surrounding tissue, minimising harmful side-effects.
Through a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure, the gel temporarily positions the rectal wall away from the prostate during radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. The gel, which is water absorbable, remains in place for three to six months, after which it is naturally absorbed by the patient’s body.
Image 1: SpaceOAR® hydrogel pushes the rectum out of the high dose radiation field.
SpaceOAR® hydrogel has been implanted in over 25,000 men worldwide and evaluated in over 60 publications. SpaceOAR has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing radiation side effects. The patient benefits at a median follow-up of 3 years include:
- A reduction in late Grade 1+ rectal toxicity from radiation
(9.2% control vs 2% treated)1 - A reduction in urinary incontinence from 15-37 months
(19.6% control vs 4.3% treated)1 - A reduction in bowel Quality of Life declines (twice the minimally clinically detectable change)
(20.5% control vs 5.4% treated)1 - Potent men were more likely to retain erections sufficient for intercourse
(37.5% control vs 66.7% treated)2
If you want more information then we have explantory leaflets available or have a look at their web site www.spaceoarcom