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Space OAR experience when self catheterising

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User
Posted 16 Oct 2024 at 14:16

Hi , 

I currently self catheterise due to a pre existing neurological condition although cannot be sure as the urinary retention started about the same time as my prostate cancer was diagnosed. I have decided I think on a treatment pathway of radiotherapy and was started on hormone injection a few months ago. 

I have been offered potentially the SPACE OAR hydrogel spacer but advised that this itself can cause problems with intermittent self catheterisation pre radiotherapy in that potentially I may need more frequent self baths or even a long term catheter . I have read about the SPACE OAR but it doesn't appear in the trials that anyone tried it whilst catheterising. Can anyone help with any information/experience re this ?  I know the radiotherapy itself can cause urinary problems so was prepared for that but again there is not much information regarding self catheterising before radiotherapy and their experience during and post radiotherapy. I guess I am trying to weigh up whether the SPACE OAR is going to be worth it in the long run or just potentially creates problems before I start ? Thank you 

User
Posted 16 Oct 2024 at 21:25

There's a fair amount of info here on this forum about Spaceoar, so a search is worthwhile.

If it's been recommended that you should gain from a spacer than that should be taken into account. On the other hand these gadgets are very expensive and might not actually be of advantage to you. Potential downsides to their use include the possibility that sometimes they can shift their position and that they can shield the cancer from some lines of radiation approaching the cancer.

From personal experience, my oncologist suggested I didn't need a Spaceoar.  I had no problems with radiation damaging any organs in the vicinity of my prostate. My treatment was a relatively long, high radiation dose for a locally advanced G9 cancer.

Jules

User
Posted 16 Oct 2024 at 22:51

I think the NHS trialled Spaceoar and decided it wasn't good value for money. If any cancer cells have migrated as far as the rectum wall then spaceoar may move them out of the treatment field. I have no idea of the effect on self catheterisation.

If your oncologist is recommending spaceoar then you should follow her advice, if you are just thinking it would be a nice to have, then on balance it probably isn't worth it.

Dave

User
Posted 17 Oct 2024 at 09:18

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

I think the NHS trialled Spaceoar and decided it wasn't good value for money. If any cancer cells have migrated as far as the rectum wall then spaceoar may move them out of the treatment field. I have no idea of the effect on self catheterisation.

If your oncologist is recommending spaceoar then you should follow her advice, if you are just thinking it would be a nice to have, then on balance it probably isn't worth it.



I also looked briefly at Spaceoar - but to use it, I had to have a General Anasthetic - which has it's own risks every time. & for the other reason's you mentioned Dave, The onco was not very keen either. So I decided against it. With hindsight, I'm glad I did - it seems to have vanished from use now. 
I found Addenbrooks, Cambridge RT dept, very good & careful.

 
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