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Prostate Cancer Outcomes - Report Card
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Feb 17 11:45am | Replies (32)Comment receiving replies
Just my thoughts - There are so very many variables when performing a 10-year study and reporting the "facts". Based on all of the differing opinions and agendas, I am somewhat skeptical and would not rely heavily on these studies. Each individual must make a treatment decision based on their situation. New technologies are great, but take a lot of time to fully mature and be proven effective. For myself, when I was diagnosed with GS 7 (4/3) PC, I opted for the old school tried & true radical prostatectomy (robotic assisted). As always, the outcome will be directly related to the hospital support staff and doctor. You must pick a center of excellence and do the research to find the best possible doctor at that center of excellence.
Active surveillance was not even be an option for my intermediate cancer. I can't imagine letting the cancer continue to grow and potentially metastasize, unless you are extremely aged or have other life-limiting issues.
Good luck to all in your treatment decisions,
Jim
Replies to "Just my thoughts - There are so very many variables when performing a 10-year study and..."
I'm at GS 7 (3/4) and have been at the Mayo Clinic for appointments trying to fined out who is the best doctor for surgery. For me it's hard to find out of the serval Drs. there who is considered to be the best surgeon they have. when i ask who is the best one i get they are all consider excellent Drs. Any recommended from anyone ?
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Interesting thoughts.
Five months ago I knew virtually nothing about PCa. Then, like all men in this support group, I heard those words “You have prostate cancer”.
For better or worse, my 45 years as an engineering researcher kicked in and I’ve been busy ever since….
What I learned regarding my 3+4=7 with Low Risk Decipher diagnosis is that it’s probably THE “continental divide” (CD) of PCa.
With my particular diagnosis one can find world renowned PCa experts who will make the pitch for EVERY treatment approach from Active Surveillance to RP with adjuvant radiotherapy and ADT (and every possible treatment variant in between) as the best way to go.
As an engineer, who spent 45 years doing research, my approach, when facing a new challenge, is to FIRST get the 30,000 ft view and then work my way down into the weeds of my SPECIFIC challenge.
IMO tbere are two primary takeaways from this study of >8500 men with localized PCa:
1) the 10+ year survival rate for ALL men diagnosed with low and intermediate risk PCa is between 97-99%, NO MATTER what treatment type or AS decision is immediately made.
2) ALL conventional treatment option have a significant risk of negative side effects, especially ADT.
Therefore, I’ve concluded the scientific evidence proves I have time to SLOW down and enjoy the CD view, in between the time I’m digging around in the weeds studying treatments.
You are entirely correct, “Each individual must make a treatment decision based on their situation.”
So now I’m….as they say…working the details.
BTW: If I had 4+3=7 (your situation) I’d have eliminated the AS option and would be moving faster towards a treatment option.
Thanks for your insights!
Alan