Space OAR Hydrogel treatment anyone know about this?

Hi Jeff.

It is sometimes used with external beam radiation treatment. It is an infusion designed to protect the large intestine from radiation. After several months it dissolves and is absorbed by the body and expelled as waste.

As I understand radiation oncologists are mixed on it’s use. As best I can tell it is more commonly used with SBRT which uses a much higher radiation dose, so potentially more damage to the colon. It was just coming into use when I was treated, so I didn’t use it. I have talked with men that did use it and I haven’t heard of much difference in dose effects compared to those that didn’t use it. There are numerous studies available through PubMed for direct information.

All our best to Pat and you,

Jack

I received SBRT as a monotherapy for my 3+4 disease two years ago. I elected to have the SpaceOAR placed during the insertion of my fiducials. As stated above, some patients/physicians don't believe it adds anything positive to external beam radiation treatment. Before deciding to go ahead with it I did as much research as possible, although there isn't much because the gel spacer is somewhat new. For me, the bottom line was the success and efficacy of the spacer has a lot to do with the doctor inserting the gel. At the time of my procedure the company rep was in the suite with my Uro, although my doctor has inserted many of them. My procedure went well and I was told that the SpaceOAR created about a 12mm separation between my prostate and bowel. Because my combined procedure was in outpatient surgery and I was under anesthesia, I never experienced any discomfort. I never had any sensation that the spacer was in place, nor any after effects. I started my five SBRT treatments 12 days later. At my three month post treatment visit with my RO, he did a digital exam and said the spacer had dissolved. The company literature states that it can take up to a year to completely dissolve.
For me, the biopsy, placement of fiducials/SpaceOAR, and the SBRT treatments were completely uneventful. In the two years since my treatment was completed, I have had no side effects. Everything works as it did before my diagnosis. I also considered the possibility that because the SpaceOAR might have protected my adjacent "organs at risk," I might avoid some long term complications sometimes associated with radiation treatment.

If you're considering the spacer, spend some time talking to your medical team about their experience levels with the procedure. From a non-medical patient perspective, I'm convinced the efficacy of the gel may be based on the quality of its placement, but please check with the professionals.

Another upside of SpaceOAR is there is no need to insert the balloon into the rectum before radiation. I had that when I tried IMRT and actually got used to it but any less time on the table is good news for me because of my hip, leg and back pain makes lying flat very painful.

Glen

Cajun, I just had the Space OAR procedure on 10/28/21. It was a very easy procedure and as of today I feel nothing different. Keep up the good work of informing others. It is much needed.

Sr sailor you cracked me up!
Actually I don't think it's called a balloon. It's more like a probe that inflates with water. They lube it well so it did not hurt. The benefit of SpaceOAR is a minute less lying on my back being prepped.
You are a funny guy but don't start with the " so I amuse you " LOL

Glen

I am going with IMRT in the next month or so. My doc mentioned using the SpaceOAR and said it would add a small amount of protection to the rectum, but not essential. He did state my insurance (military Tricare) might not cover it. Its a $3000 shot of goop if paid out of pocket. Yet another decision on this journey of a dozen other gray decisions.

During my early visits w/my RO I asked about SpaceOAR and was told that due to my EPE he would not use it. He said there was a risk that the gel might push some of the external cancer cells out of the Irradiated field.

Like other aspects of treating this disease, SpaceOAR use is a hedge in the odds. It somewhat improves the odds against long term rectal toxicity, but is no guarantee of protection nor is it's absence necessarily resulting in failure.