SpaceOAR is a revolutionary gel spacer technology aimed at reducing the chance of rectal damage in patients undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer. It is usually performed in combination with insertion of gold seed fiducial markers which are used to enable accurate delivery of radiation treatment to the prostate.
The urologist in Bangkok Hospital Pattaya believe in precise delivery of radiation treatment for prostate cancer. We are highly experienced in the safe technique of SpaceOAR placement and collaborate closely with our radiation oncology colleagues to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
WHO IS SUITABLE FOR SPACEOAR AND GOLD SEED FIDUCIAL MARKERS?
- Men diagnosed with prostate cancer who, after discussion with their Urologist and Radiation oncologist decide to proceed with external beam radiation treatment
- Men who wish to minimize the chances of radiation toxicity to the rectum which is located adjacent to the prostate gland
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SPACEOAR?
SpaceOAR is a minimally invasive procedure usually performed in conjunction with the insertion of tiny gold seed fiducial markers in preparation for radiation treatment for prostate cancer:
- The prostate and rectum are very close; SpaceOAR gently pushes the rectum away from the prostate to minimize the chance of radiation damage
- SpaceOAR is a water-based hydrogel which is non-toxic
- Safe and relatively painless procedure
- May allow for more targeted high-dose radiation over a shorter duration
- May reduce the likelihood of the patient experiencing any bowel, urinary, or sexual function decline following radiation therapy for prostate cancer treatment
HOW IS SPACEOAR AND GOLD SEED FIDUCIAL MARKERS INSERTED?
This is a day procedure performed under IV sedation anaesthesia
- Under real-time ultrasound guidance, 3 small gold seeds are inserted into the prostate via the perineum using a small needle
- The SpaceOAR hydrogel is then deployed with a needle between the prostate and the rectum, creating separation between them
- The SpaceOAR hydrogel completely dissolves slowly over 3 months to allow safe completion of radiation treatment
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER INSERTION OF SPACEOAR AND GOLD SEED FIDUCIAL MARKERS?
- Return to normal activities within a day or 2 after the procedure
- You may have some mild discomfort or bruising in the perineal area
- There may be some blood in the semen and possibly in the urine
- Injury to the rectum from mis-placed SpaceOAR is minimized by the ultrasound-guided technique and is very rare
PROCEDURE OUTCOMES
- The SpaceOAR dissolves completely after about 3 months giving ample time for the radiation treatment to be completed
- Creating space between the prostate and rectum may minimize the chance of radiation damage to the rectum
- The gold seed fiducial markers are completely inert and have no effect on the surrounding prostate tissue
