I’m no expert but it seems to be an outpatient procedure that is done prior to radiotherapy to the prostate where an injection creates a gel that acts as a spacer between the rectum and prostate for before radiotherapy. It, the gel, dissolves in time.
That doesn’t answer your question about having any experience and for that I’m sorry I’m just mansplaining.
I hope someone else fills you in on the actual situation.
Good luck and thanks for allowing me to learn something new.
I've had it done before radiotherapy, under local anesthetic. Feels very similar to TP the biopsy. Very straightforward with no side effects. As Mr U explained, it pushes the rectum away from the prostate, greatly reducing the risk of RT issues. I think it's worth doing if offered.
Thank you for your reply. I've read your bio, and with a similar Gleason, hopeful for a similar success. It is excellent that you've had such a positive outcome. The risk of damage from RT has been a real worry, and we feel so fortunate that this is available on the NHS. All the best x
I had read about Space Oar and asked the onco about it at the pre-RT meeting. With the accuracy of the TomoTherapy treatment (quoted as 1mm) which I was due to have she didn’t think it would be necessary and really steered me away from the idea. Sure enough, there were no real bowel issues from the RT, just some short-term extra wind and mucus. Will be interested how it works for your husband Wayfarer .
"The risk of damage from RT has been a real worry" ................. I fear you are worrying far to much - as has already been stated, modern methods of conducting RT are much safer than in the past. I was looking up details of Space Oar and found a news report that the hospital where I had my RT was conducting trials on it. My first thought was "why wasn't I offered it ?" - then I saw the date on the report...2019 !
When I had my RT (late 2024) my hospital had 6 LINACS all fitted with SGRT, I have to assume that they thought that SGRT was a better use of their funds than Space Oar. I had no RT side effects.
Sorry, should have also said… Can you / he check what type of radiotherapy he is going to receive. Image-guided and surface-guided are very accurate, sub-1mm is quoted for the latter. With bowel and bladder preps done, these are unlikely to cause the more noticeable side effects over maybe some other delivery methods. It’s his choice at the end of the day though, of course! If he does go for it I’m sure there are a number of people both on here already, and joining us in the future, who will be interested in the outcome.
I'm a T3b , G9 - I asked about it but they said it wasn't necessary. I think sometimes depending on the position of lesions (specially extra capsular extension ) and other factors its not always recommended as it changes the target area for the radiation but if it were offered I would have taken it.
Thank you to all of you who have replied regarding SpaceOar. I suppose it all depends on the level of risk with radiotherapy.....and we do appreciate that the treatment has improved greatly in recent years. However this has been suggested as appropriate by the consultant as a way of reducing any radiation problems even further, and feel it will be appropriate to follow her advice.
Hi Wayfarer If offered it, take it. BW had it and he has had no regrets. It was a straight forward procedure and he is in no doubt that it protected his bowel, ( his opinion) he’s had no side effects from RT as yet .
