SpaceOAR

External beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer requires delivery of high doses of radiation to the prostate while limiting dose to nearby organs such as the rectum and bladder. SpaceOAR is a gel-filled medical device consisting mostly of water that is inserted into the space between the prostate and rectum, creating space between the two organs. This extra space protects the rectum, limiting exposure to the high dose radiation targeting the prostate. Studies have shown that SpaceOAR placement results in fewer urinary, rectal and sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatment.