Rectal Spacing and Fiducial Markers

Rectal spacing and fiducial markers improve the precision and safety of prostate cancer radiation therapy by protecting healthy tissues and enhancing targeting accuracy.

Rectal spacing and fiducial markers are two advanced techniques used to enhance the precision and safety of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Rectal spacing involves inserting a temporary gel or spacer between the prostate and rectum to create a safe distance, thereby reducing radiation exposure to the rectum and minimizing potential side effects. Fiducial markers, on the other hand, are small gold markers implanted into the prostate to improve the accuracy of radiation targeting, ensuring the radiation precisely hits the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Together, these techniques significantly enhance the effectiveness and safety of prostate cancer treatments.

Fiducial Marker Placement

Fiducial marker placement involves inserting small, permanent gold markers into the prostate to serve as reference points for accurate targeting during radiation therapy for prostate cancer. These markers help guide the radiation precisely to the tumor, reducing the risk of damaging surrounding healthy tissues.

Rectal Spacing (SpaceOAR)

Rectal spacing with SpaceOAR involves injecting a biodegradable gel between the prostate and rectum to create a temporary physical separation, reducing radiation exposure to the rectum during prostate cancer treatment. SpaceOAR stays in your body for 6 months before being absorbed by the body. This technique helps to minimize side effects and protect healthy tissue, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of radiation therapy.

Rectal Spacing (Barrigel)

Rectal spacing with Barrigel involves injecting a biodegradable gel between the prostate and rectum to create a temporary physical separation, reducing radiation exposure to the rectum during prostate cancer treatment. Barrigel is made of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid used in over 50 million procedures and can be injected slowly and precisely to achieve rectal spacing. It is absorbed by the body after 1 year. This technique helps to minimize side effects and protect healthy tissue, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of radiation therapy.