Aurora BayCare Medical Center recently became the first hospital in Wisconsin certified to use SpaceOAR®, an innovative new technology that helps combat negative side effects associated with treating prostate cancer. Dr. David Rohde, an Aurora BayCare radiation oncologist, received the certification.
SpaceOAR hydrogel is the first FDA-cleared implantable, dissolvable spacing device to protect the rectum in men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. OAR stands for "organ of risk"; and is a major advancement in the treatment of prostate cancer, which affects 1 in 6 men in the United States.
"Providing the best possible treatment to patients is our top priority, which is why we are the first center to offer SpaceOAR hydrogel in Wisconsin," Dr. Rohde said. "Creating space between the prostate and rectum is an important advancement that significantly reduces the likelihood of side effects. It's reassuring for patients to know that Aurora BayCare Medical Center is certified to use innovative technology."
With 3,929 men diagnosed in Wisconsin last year, prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting males in the state.
SpaceOAR is intended to temporarily position the anterior rectal wall away from the prostate during radiotherapy for prostate cancer, creating space to protect the rectum from radiation exposure. Prior to the availability of SpaceOAR, because of the proximity of the prostate to the rectum, prostate radiation therapy typically resulted in some radiation hitting the rectum, which can cause side effects. SpaceOAR creates space and pushes the rectum away from the prostate and the high dose area.