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PSA jumped from 2 to 2.4 after four years from treatment??
Does this jump in PSA from 2 to 2.4 a cause for alarm. Had 20 proton beam treatments nearly four years ago and it dropped and remained steady at 2
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The short answer, possibly...
There can be variations for a variety of reasons, the assay the labs uses, the time of day, hydration...
So, what you want to consider is the frequency and number of PSA tests before you make any decisions.
I've attached my clinical history. When my urologist switched to USPSA, first lab came back at .36...yikes!
I asked him to repeat, .24, then .06.
When I asked him why, he shrugged, we don't know (the art of medicine).
What you may want is minimum of two, possible three (or four) PSA tests spaced one to three months apart. If you use the same lab and follow generally the same pre-draw routine and your PSA goes up continuously then you have your answer. That would also give you clinical data such as PSADT, PSAV along with a greater probability that if you decide to image (why wouldn't you...), the probability of the imaging finding any recurrence increases.
The question you to be comfortable with is would doing that, waiting for the PSA to rise to confirm a positive and continuous upward trend, present any risk to the outcomes of a treatment decision. The counter gto that is would locating the recurrence change the treatment decision.
You have a plethora of options should you need to decide on treatment - depends on the clinical data, your health, age, insurance and personal preference for balancing quality and quantity of life.
Kevin
My PSA was .19 after surgery in 2022 at age 72.
Salvage Treatment of radiation together with short term ADT Feb - June 2023 at age 73.
See SPPORT trial.
Currently 1 year post salvage tx and PSA just reported < .02
If PSA continues to rise and if PSMA PET scan is negative for spread, then pelvic radiation might be appropriate.
If a lesion is identified, then radiation of that lesion could be indicated.
Best wishes
Thank you very much for your experience that sounds very encouraging. By
the way, Ivan you tell me how many times of radiation you had treated and
how about ts side affect? Thank you very much
Ben
@rcs
The key to prostrate testing is does it continue to rise.
Your urologist or R/O should be guiding you on rising up and down is not uncommon.
Many things other than cancer can cause your PSA to rise. Do you ride a bike? Don't a week prior to PSA testing. It mentions vigorous sex also can cause a rise. I would give any recommendation on that.
Also having an urination problems? Prostrate enlargement can also cause a rise in PSA.
Just asked question to your urologist and then see if it continues to rise not just one test that was above the other. Also did you have the test done as same lab? If not try to stay with same lab as that also can cause different readings.
1st, I am not a MD, and my Rad Onc prescribed 37 IMRT photon radiation treatments to pelvic floor (25 included the pelvic lymph nodes).
66.6 gy (1.8 per session).
I note on this site that others received fewer radiation treatments, but higher doses per tx.
During the 2d half of tx, I had some bowel issues; increased frequency, some diarrhea and some irritation/pain. All resolved 2 weeks after tx ended.
I also had 4 mos of ADT Orgovyx, and the common ADT side effects.
My input would be to establish that the PSA is rising and discuss txs and side effects with your Rad Onc and/or Med Onc.
Following your 20 proton radiation treatments, how low did your PSA eventually get? Did it ever get as low as 0.50 ng/mL?
No .2