SpaceOAR Hydrogel for Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy
Make space for life as usual
At Urology Innovations Canada, we specialize in minimally invasive treatments for prostate cancer, including HIFU and IRE. Not every patient will meet the criteria for these procedures, and some will proceed with radiation therapy instead. For those men, we offer SpaceOAR Hydrogel – an advanced procedure that creates a protective barrier between the prostate and rectum to help reduce radiation-related side effects.
What It Is
SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based absorbable gel that is placed between the prostate and rectum before radiation therapy. The gel creates a temporary space that moves the rectum away from the prostate. By increasing this distance, the rectum receives less radiation exposure.
- The procedure is minimally invasive, usually done under local or light sedation.
- The gel naturally absorbs into the body within about 6 months.
Benefits
- Protects rectum: Reduces radiation dose to healthy tissue
- Lower side effects: Helps decrease bowel and urinary complications
- Improves quality of life: Supports better long-term function after treatment
- Safe and temporary: Absorbs naturally, leaving no permanent implant
Anatomy without SpaceOAR Hydrogel
The prostate and rectum sit very close together, separated by only a thin space. Radiation to the prostate can also affect the rectum, leading to bowel side effects.
Anatomy with SpaceOAR Hydrogel
The hydrogel spacer moves the rectum farther from the prostate. This added space helps protect the rectum during radiation therapy.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel with Radiation Therapy
With the rectum pushed back, less radiation reaches it. This can reduce exposure and lower the risk of side effects.
Who It’s For
SpaceOAR Hydrogel is intended for men with prostate cancer preparing for radiation therapy.
It’s especially worth considering if you are:
- Scheduled for external beam radiation therapy
- Concerned about minimizing bowel, urinary, or sexual side effects
- Focused on maintaining function and quality of life after treatment
Yes. It has been studied extensively and used in over 100,000 patients worldwide. It is FDA- and Health Canada-approved, biocompatible, and naturally reabsorbed by the body after treatment.
Most patients describe it as quick and well tolerated. Local anesthesia or mild sedation is used to minimize discomfort.
The gel stays in place for about 3-6 months – the length of a typical prostate radiation treatment – and then is absorbed and cleared naturally.
No. The hydrogel does not interfere with the effectiveness of radiation therapy. In fact, it allows radiation to more precisely target the prostate while sparing healthy tissue.
If you suffer from certain autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease or IBS, you may be eligible for SpaceOAR placement in hospital with OHIP coverage. Your urologist or radiation oncologist will be able to tell you if you qualify.
For patients who are not eligible for hospital-based coverage, SpaceOAR can also be placed at our clinic. SpaceOAR placement at UIC is not covered by OHIP or private insurance and would be an out-of-pocket expense.
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