Advanced Urological Procedures

SpaceOAR

What is SpaceOAR Hydrogel?

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel clinically shown to minimize urinary, sexual and bowel side effects and protect quality of life for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.1-3

Without SpaceOAR Hydrogel

Without the presence of SpaceOAR Hydrogel, high dose radiation is more likely to reach the rectum.1,2

With SpaceOAR Hydrogel

SpaceOAR Hydrogel provides space between the rectum and the prostate, reducing high dose radiation to the rectum.1,2

How Does SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel Work?

SpaceOAR Hydrogel, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel is designed to help reduce the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during prostate cancer radiation treatments1–3

When treating prostate cancer patients with radiation therapy, the goal is to destroy the cancer cells while avoiding damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Anatomy without SpaceOAR Hydrogel

The prostate is next to the rectum and naturally separated by a small space. Due to the proximity, prostate radiation therapy can unintentionally cause damage to the rectum, which can lead to issues with bowel function.

Anatomy with SpaceOAR Hydrogel

The hydrogel spacer pushes the rectum away from the prostate and is designed to decrease rectal injury during prostate radiation therapy.

SpaceOAR Hydrogel with Radiation Therapy

By pushing the prostate farther from the rectum, the radiation dose delivered to the rectum is reduced, which may help minimize the side effects of radiation therapy.1–3

What Is the Hydrogel Made Of?

SpaceOAR Hydrogel consists of mostly water (90%) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) that when combined, form a soft gel material. PEG materials have undergone extensive biocompatibility and safety testing and is used in a number of other medical applications such as surgical sealants used in the eye, brain, and spine.4

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