What is the general practice for patients that have SpaceOAR placed and then have a delay to treatment start?
Are there problems with volume changes from the spacer dissolving while the patient is on treatment? What is your department's protocol for these types of situations?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
I have not encountered this problem yet. Theoretically the SpaceOAR begins to hydrolize after 3 months and completely reabsorbs between 6 and 8 months. The delay would have to be significant due to a major medical event or accident. If the SpaceOAR has completely disappeared it could be reinjected a...