SpaceOAR Gel and Radiation Side Effects | Ask a Prostate Expert, Mark Scholz, MD

Medical oncologist, Mark Scholz, MD, discusses rectal burns from radiation and the "insurance policy" against them, "SpaceOAR."

0:06 Can SpaceOAR prevent side effects for brachytherapy?

0:28 How common is SpaceOAR around the country?

1:00 What are the ramifications of a rectal burn?

1:47 How long will SpaceOAR stay in the body? Will it last for the duration of IMRT treatment?

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[clemchirpich]

Thank you for taking the time to answer these types of questions. For myself, I realize the more information that I have I can better discuss options with my doctor and improve the chance that I will have a good outcome. Again thank you.

[davidgrunklee]

Any spaceOAR updates? Mayo is pushing it pretty hard prior to my 5 course sbrt radiation. But I've 2 friends that sbrt without it and zero issue. Any advice appreciated!

[ronwise]

My RO was very negative about Space Oar. Her take was the possible problem with the procedure outweigh the benefit. Claims surgeons doing the procedure are being highly compensated by the manufacture. I was surprised to say the least as I thought it would make her job easier. I still think I want it, rectal burning scares me.

[LeinonenHannu]

Do you have new information on SpaceOAR?

[davidhines]

Does SpaceOAR ever interfere with targeting, based on the position of the cancer or the size of the prostate?

[xanadu]

Would you recommend SpaceOAR to a CyberKnife treatment too? Or would you think it is not necessary?

[lastingsmilesofbethlehem]

Will be undergoing radiation treatment after having had HIFU 3 years ago. Recent biopsy revealed 2 cores of gleason 3+4 =7, 5% & 15%, intermediate low risk, can't repeat HIFU due to calcifications. Options are SBRT 5 treatments over 2 weeks vs IMRT 28 treatments. Would appreciate your advice on each treatment and which is the better way to go.
Thanks so much for all your videos and help!.
Dr Rob Ruyak

[jimjohngirard]

can space oar hydrogel be used to protect the urogenital diaphragm as well as the rectum. I have 3+4=7, 3.3 psa, 2 cores, 30% adenocarcinoma in my right apex. I've heard this is the hardest part of the gland to treat. What say you?

[davidgrunklee]

My question would be can they guarantee that the rectum won't get burned WITH spaceOAR?!

[simondumoulin]

Can Space Oar be placed midway through Beam therapy?
Is it worth getting Space Oar if getting intensive beam therapy for 5 weeks?
Thanks

[bigpapi]

I’m having bowel complications from Spaceoar…. Extreme Pain and constipation… feels like a brick and my body is attacking it…..

[normawong]

I fortunately my husbands insurance denied the SpaceOar. They claimed it didn’t have evidence of being effective.

[russellaustin]

I had SpaceOAR - and had to be 'bagged up" twice - I was totally blocked afterwards! Be warned !

[grateful]

Kaiser doesn’t offer SpaceOAR for brachytherapy.