Space OAR

Prostate cancer is a leading cancer diagnosis and cause of cancer related deaths in men.  There are multiple options for treatment when diagnosed at the localized or early stages.  Radiation is one of those options.  With radiation treatments, an external source of energy is delivered through the body to result in lethal destruction of prostate cancer cells.  The side effects of radiation stem from the energy that is delivered to a small space and nearby organs can be damaged in the process.  SpaceOAR is an option to help prevent the risk of some of those side effects.

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Given the close proximity of the prostate and rectum, any space we can put between the two tissues is going to result in a decreased risk of side effects.  SpaceOAR is a dissolvable gel that is placed between these two areas resulting in less radiation exposure to the rectal tissues.  SpaceOAR is FDA approved for patients undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

The gel remains in place for 6 months to allow for your radiation therapy.  The body then dissolves the gel naturally.  Studies have shown the gel to minimize risk of bowel, urinary, sexual side effects from the radiation therapy.

Call the office today to schedule an appointment and see if SpaceOAR is right for you.