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Posted 2/26/2020 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe I am not finding the decent search function on this board, but the last discussion, when searching, that I see on SpaceOAR was from 7-2019, and I know I have seen more recent discussion, but I will just start a new thread. If there is an advanced search function somewhere that works better than that lame search at upper right of page, please let me know.

My RO will not perform CyberKnife without SpaceOAR. It is now covered under Medicare it seems, and I just hope my Uro has lots of experience, or I might change Uros. As far as trial results, it would seem that 5-10 years down the road, looking at rectal cancer rates, with or without, would be the "clincher" for making decisions on this procedure. If markers have to be put in place anyway, I would just as soon have it done under anesthesia, instead of laying there grimacing with the biopsy style procedure. I read where e.noont had good results last year with SpaceOAR. Any more recent experiences?
Posted 2/26/2020 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
I would trust my radiation team. It was still new and not covered when I had SBRT so no first hand experience. I have routine follow ups with my RO via virtual visit and I always ask what’s new. On my last call he said they are using SpaceOAR. BTW my last PSA check a few days ago suggests I maybe through the ‘bounce’ phase. My wife and I celebrated. darn...after more than 50 years she’s still hot.
Posted 2/26/2020 7:14 PM (GMT 0)

Terry's Cellar said...
I would trust my radiation team.


I wish, but RO team doesn't place the SpaceOAR. It is my Uro I am worried about.
Posted 2/26/2020 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
If you don’t trust your uro, then get a different one. Why don’t you trust the uro? Have you discussed your distrust with him? Is he inexperienced? How many has he done and how often does he perform it?
Posted 2/26/2020 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
Good point Manich. I would then ask what Urologist do they recommend and would only go to one who is proficient and works with the RO team. Once I left my local urologist who diagnosed I used the team at Cleveland Clinic to place my markers. I’ve not had the need to visit any urologist since. My PCP and my RO both manage follow up PSA.
Posted 2/26/2020 8:14 PM (GMT 0)

JNF said...
If you don’t trust your uro, then get a different one. Why don’t you trust the uro? Have you discussed your distrust with him? Is he inexperienced? How many has he done and how often does he perform it?


I don't know. That is why I'm worried. I will meet with my RO after my mpMRI, and if it shows some iffy lymphs, the CyberKnife and SpaceOAR procedure will be a mute point. I will then be looking at 9 weeks of IMRT and 6 months of HT. If MRI come back looking good I will ask him how many SOs he has referred over to my uro. My younger Uro works at an old practice, in an old building with old small procedure rooms. The other uro practice has been acquired by my RO's hospital, and does these out patient procedures in nicer facilities with more support staff. I liked my uro for DRE's, blood tests, and even the biopsy. But any surgical procedures at that old office, I have 2nd thoughts about. I agree it might be time to leave my uro, who I really like, and go 2 blocks away to the uro office connected with the hospital's cancer center, and my RO.
Posted 2/26/2020 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
While having HDBT in August 2017, the uro installed Space Oar in preparation for additional EBRT, however, not done properly and don't know if it ended up helping or not.
Try to make sure the uro has had plenty of experience installing one.

MP
Posted 2/26/2020 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
This comes up from time to time. While it's an interesting theory, I haven't seen any studies to definitive state you must use the Space Oar. Not every RO uses it, not everyone is convinced that it's needed.

Many, many of us had RT without it.

I do hope that some day, someone can prove to me this is more than just padding the insurance bill for your local URO.
Posted 2/27/2020 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Will someone please explain what space oar means...try to ignore that I asked the question and tho the phrase begs clever...resist...you will be happier...
Posted 2/27/2020 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
First try googling it as it appears in the thread title: SpaceOAR. You will be happier. Only one space in the name, yet no space. Very Zen. Everything will gel for you.

Post Edited (DjinTonic) : 2/26/2020 6:57:48 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/27/2020 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, many of us have had radiation therapy without the OAR spacer, including me (see my history below).
I see my Radiation Oncologist (an academic with a strong publication record and over one thousand CyberKnife procedures) once a year. At my last visit we chatted about the space OAR. He told me that he now uses it routinely to prevent (radiation) proctitis. Just to be clear, this wasn't available in 2013 when I had my prostate photobombed.
Posted 2/27/2020 2:54 AM (GMT 0)

DjinTonic said...
First try googling it as it appears in the thread title: SpaceOAR. You will be happier. Only one space in the name, yet no space. Very Zen. Everything will gel for you.

I search for SpaceOAR, sort by date, and the thread at the top of my sorted list is from 07-19-2019.
Posted 2/27/2020 3:08 AM (GMT 0)

manich said...
I search for SpaceOAR, sort by date, and the thread at the top of my sorted list is from 07-19-2019.

Sorry--I'm new to this Forum and can't help with the Seach features. But regarding SpaceOAR use, make sure you discuss with your RO the risks and adverse events the manufacturer has reported.
Posted 2/27/2020 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
PCRI Director Dr. Mark Scholz video on SpaceOAR starts at 00:06:20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaKVRPrsDFo
Posted 2/27/2020 7:24 AM (GMT 0)
I guess we got the rest of the story...now newbies know...which was my intent
Posted 2/27/2020 7:32 AM (GMT 0)
Owned...tee hee gotta love it
Posted 3/1/2020 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
Do not do radiation without space or period ....end of discussion ...
Posted 3/1/2020 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Most of us did not have Space Oar and did just fine. It is not a suggested standard of care as far as I know. Some RO’s use it and some do not.

Wannabet, please elaborate and provide your PCa history and experience. Did you have EBRT with or without Space Oar? Why do you strongly suggest it? And welcome to the group with your first post.
Posted 3/1/2020 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Wannbet if he responds or not...but he did say end of discussion tho if he did not engage in a discussion...how could he end it...the post should be relocated to the nothing thread...ahh "I see said the blind man"...it was a proclamation..."what fools these mortals be"...
Posted 3/1/2020 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
I just returned from the Duke Multidisciplinary Clinic, and the RO at Duke recommended it, especially with the higher radiation therapies like CyberKnife. If it prevents just 1 in 10 from proctitis, it would probably be worth it.
Posted 3/2/2020 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
Studies have shown it to be useful for many men. Good explanation by Scholz. It certainly doesn’t help everyone and many of us did not use it and are fine, but I certainly understand the suggested use with SBRT. So take the doctor’s advice and do it. Why not?
Posted 3/3/2020 2:26 AM (GMT 0)

manich said...
I just returned from the Duke Multidisciplinary Clinic, and the RO at Duke recommended it, especially with the higher radiation therapies like CyberKnife. If it prevents just 1 in 10 from proctitis, it would probably be worth it.

when I had RT in 2018 my RO strongly recommended SpaceOar. After researching and reading available papers at the time I agreed. If you go to SpaceOar.com there is a patient search for Doctors certified in the procedure, mine was. Leave your pride and any sense of modesty at the door. Only side effects for me was little aches from probe, similar to biopsy, and needle insertion site. Hard to prove a negative but no radiation side effects up to this point.
Posted 3/3/2020 3:14 AM (GMT 0)

LifeCointosses said...
when I had RT in 2018 my RO strongly recommended SpaceOar. After researching and reading available papers at the time I agreed. If you go to SpaceOar.com there is a patient search for Doctors certified in the procedure, mine was. Leave your pride and any sense of modesty at the door. Only side effects for me was little aches from probe, similar to biopsy, and needle insertion site. Hard to prove a negative but no radiation side effects up to this point.

Were you "put out", or just numbed?
Posted 3/3/2020 3:21 AM (GMT 0)

manich said...

LifeCointosses said...
when I had RT in 2018 my RO strongly recommended SpaceOar. After researching and reading available papers at the time I agreed. If you go to SpaceOar.com there is a patient search for Doctors certified in the procedure, mine was. Leave your pride and any sense of modesty at the door. Only side effects for me was little aches from probe, similar to biopsy, and needle insertion site. Hard to prove a negative but no radiation side effects up to this point.

Were you "put out", or just numbed?


Just numbed the only pain was the numbing shots. From my experience I don’t see the reason to be put out, maybe some Dr don’t give the choice. After checking with the company I was back on my motorcycle 2 days later.
Posted 3/4/2020 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
Manich......I believe you require markers for cyber knife. I thought it was generally the same as SBRT, which I had and required fiducial markers to be placed. Since I also had brachytherapy, my markers and spaceoar were done by my RO, during my brachy procedure. I would think that an RO, or at least his team, should be placing the markers and the spaceoar. Urologists for the most part don’t know anything about radiation procedures. Ask if your RO’s team can do it.
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