SpaceOAR (a hydrogel “rectal spacer”) is used in prostate cancer radiation therapy to help protect healthy tissue and improve quality of life during and after treatment. It’s placed between the prostate and rectum just before radiation therapy to temporarily create space and reduce the amount of radiation the rectum receives. www.spaceoar.com+1
Key Benefits
1. Reduces Radiation Exposure to the Rectum
By physically separating the rectum from the prostate, SpaceOAR lowers the radiation dose that reaches the rectal wall. This can reduce the risk of radiation-induced rectal injury. www.spaceoar.com
2. Fewer Bowel Side Effects
Patients who receive SpaceOAR tend to have less rectal toxicity, meaning fewer issues like rectal pain, bleeding, urgency, or changes in bowel habits during and after radiation therapy. Tower Urology+1
3. Better Urinary Function Preservation
SpaceOAR has been associated with improvements in urinary quality of life and fewer urinary complications (like incontinence or urgency) compared with patients who don’t receive a spacer. Tower Urology
4. Improved Sexual Function Outcomes
Men treated with SpaceOAR are more likely to maintain erectile function after radiation. In some clinical data, a higher percentage of men kept sufficient sexual function compared to those without the spacer. Tower Urology+1
5. Maintains Overall Quality of Life
Because it reduces bowel, urinary, and sexual side effects, many patients report better overall quality of life measures during follow-up compared with those who did not receive a spacer. Tower Urology
6. Helps With Radiation Targeting
The spacer can also help stabilize the prostate and minimize movement caused by things like bladder filling or gas, potentially making radiation delivery more precise. Tower Urology
Dr. Robert Takesuye 