We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Tres Childs has been designated as the first Center of Excellence for SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel in Alabama! This prestigious recognition highlights our high level of experience in applying SpaceOAR Hydrogel, a device designed to reduce unintentional side effects of prostate cancer radiation therapy. Prostate cancer is a significant health concern for American men, and radiation therapy is a common treatment option chosen by over 60,000 patients each year. However, one of the challenges with this therapy is the potential damage to the rectum due to its proximity to the prostate, leading to bowel function issues for patients. The SpaceOAR Hydrogel, manufactured by Boston Scientific, addresses this problem by pushing the rectum away from the prostate during radiation treatment, thereby reducing the radiation dose delivered to the organ and minimizing damage.
We feel incredibly honored to be recognized as Alabama’s first SpaceOAR Hydrogel Center of Excellence. This designation further reinforces our commitment to providing the highest-quality treatment possible for prostate cancer patients in the North Alabama area. By incorporating SpaceOAR Hydrogel into radiation therapy, we aim to preserve healthy tissue and maintain our patients’ quality of life during and after treatment.
The SpaceOAR Hydrogel is primarily made of water and polyethylene glycol (PEG), a safe compound used in various implants. It naturally leaves the body within approximately six months, making it a safe and minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Patients can often return to their normal activities shortly after the implantation.
At Alliance Cancer Care, we don’t just offer SpaceOAR Hydrogel; we also provide SpaceOAR Vue™ Hydrogel, the next-generation version of the device. SpaceOAR Vue Hydrogel can be seen on computerized tomography (CT) scans, eliminating the need for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in treatment planning and accommodating patients who cannot undergo MRI. This advanced technology helps us improve contouring accuracy and ensure consistent positioning for patients receiving prostate cancer radiation.
Our commitment to patient care and well-being is unwavering. We understand that receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis can be a daunting experience, and some patients may hesitate to undergo radiation therapy due to potential side effects. That’s why we integrate SpaceOAR Hydrogel to complement the patient’s radiation treatment, providing reassurance and support in preserving their quality of life.
Clinical data has demonstrated the significant benefits of SpaceOAR Hydrogel, including a reduction in rectal injury, which leads to maintained bowel function and a higher likelihood of preserving urinary and sexual function. This innovative device received 510(k) clearance from the FDA in 2015 and has been used in over 150,000 procedures worldwide.
We are proud to be part of the Alliance Cancer Care team, where we deliver radiation treatment using state-of-the-art technology and machinery to provide high-quality and customized treatment plans for our patients’ unique needs. Our dedicated team of board-certified physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, navigators, nursing staff, and counselors work collaboratively to ensure our patients receive the best care and support throughout their treatment journey.
For more information about Alliance Cancer Care and our cutting-edge radiation treatment options, please contact our caring team at 256.319.5400. We are here to help and support you every step of the way on your path to recovery.