Any other methods Better than PSA to monitor prostate cancer?

Posted by seasuite @seasuite, Dec 5, 2023

I've attached my PSA scores since they started saving in EPIC in 2000. While you can seen a marked increase around 2017, my Family Medicine Dr. said it was age related and well within the norms. Having read other's numbers, you could make a case that my numbers have always been low. We decided on an MRI in 2022 just for 'sh*** and grins' so to speak. I couldn't accept the PI-RADS 5 result and followed up with a confirming MRI shortly thereafter. My faith in PSA, as a solid indicator of PCa, was badly shaken.

My TPUS revealed G: 4+3=7 in one core with some risk factors and I began a tri-modal treatment plan (Orgovyx 4 months; Cyberknife Boost and VMAT). The later treatment is currently underway, 5/25 completed.

I continue to query Drs. and other sources about how to monitor progress and determine if any cancer will be remaining after the conclusion of my treatments. The only answer that I'm hearing is that
we'll be monitoring my PSA. You've probably guessed my question by now. I have very little faith in PSA and wish that I discovered my cancer years earlier. Has anyone heard of other methods to know the state of our PCas, hopefully zero, post treatment? I'm thinking I might have to buy a Ouija Board;-) Kindly advise.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

@pbrowni25

i HAD A PROSTATECTOMY IN 2015 AND SINCE HAS BEEN .< 01 ...WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF IT COMING BACK?
THE SURGEON ACTUALLY TOLD ME 20 YRS IS EXPECTED...g
GETTIN THERE...

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Here's a tool you can use to find your statistical risk of recurrence based on pre-op PSA, Gleason score, and basic path finding (cancer confined to prostate vs not). It only goes up to 10 years.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/brady-urology-institute/conditions-and-treatments/prostate-cancer/risk-assessment-tools/han-tables
Of course, statistical risk is not the same as personal risk. It only means that, of 100 men with findings like yours, how many will have a return of the cancer (usually measured as a rising PSA). No one can tell you what will happen to you as an individual.

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