SpaceOAR | Kadlec Tri-Cities Cancer Center
Cancer Treatment Team
Introduction
Welcome to Sibel Blau's dedicated health website, your comprehensive resource for information on the innovative SpaceOAR treatment available at Kadlec Tri-Cities Cancer Center. Here, we aim to provide you with in-depth knowledge about this ground-breaking procedure, its effectiveness, benefits, and how it can be a pivotal part of your cancer treatment journey. Our commitment is to empower and educate individuals facing cancer, ensuring they have access to the latest advancements in oncology care.
Understanding SpaceOAR
SpaceOAR is a remarkable treatment option offered at Kadlec Tri-Cities Cancer Center for patients undergoing prostate cancer radiation therapy. It involves the use of a temporary injectable gel that creates space between the prostate and the rectum. By introducing this protective barrier, SpaceOAR helps minimize radiation side effects, specifically rectal injury during the treatment process.
The gel, made up of biodegradable material, is administered through a minimally invasive procedure before the start of radiotherapy. It serves as a cushion, creating a gap and shielding the rectum, reducing the likelihood of damage and offering an improved overall treatment experience.
Benefits of SpaceOAR
When considering SpaceOAR as part of your prostate cancer treatment, there are several key benefits to take into account:
- Enhanced Precision: SpaceOAR provides a physical separation between the prostate and rectum, allowing the radiation to target cancer cells more accurately while minimizing potential damage to healthy tissue.
- Reduced Side Effects: By creating a protective barrier, SpaceOAR lowers the risk of rectal injury, leading to fewer complications and improved quality of life during and after radiation therapy.
- Improved Treatment Tolerance: With decreased side effects, patients may experience enhanced comfort, leading to better tolerability of radiation therapy and potentially better treatment outcomes.
The SpaceOAR Procedure
SpaceOAR is a well-tolerated and straightforward procedure that typically takes place prior to radiation therapy. It involves the following steps:
- Evaluation and Consultation: Your healthcare team, led by the experienced specialists at Kadlec Tri-Cities Cancer Center, will evaluate your unique situation, discuss treatment options, and assess the suitability of SpaceOAR for you.
- Treatment Planning: If SpaceOAR is deemed appropriate, a customized treatment plan will be developed, taking into account your specific anatomy and radiation therapy requirements.
- SpaceOAR Administration: The actual procedure involves injecting the gel in a minimally invasive manner under local anesthesia. The gel remains in place throughout the course of radiation therapy and is naturally absorbed by the body over time.
- Beginning Radiation Treatment: Once SpaceOAR is in position, radiation therapy can be safely initiated with improved precision and reduced risk of side effects.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one is currently facing prostate cancer and considering radiation therapy, SpaceOAR at Kadlec Tri-Cities Cancer Center could be a game-changer. The innovative gel treatment offers enhanced precision, reduced side effects, and improved overall treatment tolerance. Take advantage of our dedicated health website to gather all the information you need before making an informed decision. Remember, knowledge is power, and we are here to support you every step of the way in your cancer journey.
