SpaceOAR Gel - Extracapsular Extension

[FightCancer101]

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to see if anyone had similar situation and how you dealt with it. I have advanced cancer with Extracapsular Extension. I decided to do a radiation treatments: IMRT and HDR Brachy. My Radiation Oncologist says that since I have extracapsular extension, placing spacer Gel can push cancer cells out of high dose area. He recommended instead to do bio-degradable balloon. This is a latest technology, developed by BioProtect Israeli company and just approved by FDA. Please share your experience or thoughts. It also be useful for anyone else who will be searching this topic in the future.

[Tall_Allen]

My friend had undiagnosed EPE and SpaceOAR pressed some of the cancer against the rectal wall, protecting it from radiation. It then grew into his rectum and caused misery until the day he died.

Late-term rectal adverse effects are very rare with modern-day image guidance. These are solutions in search of a problem.

[Hidden]

You would think the ballon will do the same as the Space OAR.

Yes modern radiation guidance is not your fathers radiation.

I dont have a prostate, they radiated the prostate bed with minimal side effects,

[Fortysstyle in reply to Hidden]

Hello, my next line of treatment is likely radiating the prostate bed but they are holding off because I have ulcerative colitis (inactive for 3 years) and have said it would likely result in my colon being damaged because they can’t use a gel barrier due to not having a prostate. Resulting in having to be equipped with. a colostomy bag. What type of radiation did you receive?

[VCinTx]

Space OAR was placed while I watched on a screen with RO in control. It worked great for me with just a little pressure after. I had no problems during radiation. Good luck to you.

[Ranger2019]

in 2020 my radiation oncologist said space AOR not required/needed. I asked why and he said with today’s capabilities and our skill with IMRT it’s not required and I’d hate to miss some cancer. I then reminded him I have ulcerative colitis, he said yes an increased chance of ulcerative colitis occurrences. I had epe, Results: no increase, next regularly colonoscopy looked good with uc dormant.

[ReMarcAble]

I had an absolutely horrible experience with space OR. I would not recommend it.