Connect
← Return to Anyone had salvage radiation therapy post-prostatectomy?
Discussion
Anyone had salvage radiation therapy post-prostatectomy?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Sep 24 4:30pm | Replies (67)Comment receiving replies
The best results are frequently after you have had salvage radiation. Here is some information about the importance of getting treated in time, starting with .2. it seems to imply that you are at the point that you need to make a decision right away.
From Ascopubs about what PSA to do salvage radiation.
≤0.2 ng/mL:
Starting at this level maximizes disease control and long-term survival. Patients treated at PSA < 0.2 ng/mL achieve higher rates of undetectable post-SRT PSA (56-70%) and improved 5-year progression-free survival (62.7-75%).
Delaying SRT beyond PSA ≥0.25 ng/mL increases mortality risk by ~50%.
0.2–0.5 ng/mL:
Still effective, particularly for patients with low-risk features (e.g., Gleason ≤7, slow PSA doubling time). The Journal of Clinical Oncology recommends SRT before PSA exceeds 0.25 ng/mL to preserve curative potential.
0.5–1.0 ng/mL:
Salvage radiation remains beneficial but may require combining with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for higher-risk cases.
Replies to "The best results are frequently after you have had salvage radiation. Here is some information about..."
Connect
I went BCR in 2 years and started salvage at .24. I recently had a second opinion at a CCC with a Genito Urologist. He stated he didn't find me interesting as he only treats stage 4 cancer and wouldn't take me on as a patient at this time. He also stated to wait until my PSA hits 2.0, not .2 and they could find it then. At .24 I started Lupron and 3 weeks later salvage radiation. I agree with Jeff that your level is too early for scans as they more than likely won't show any lesions. PSA 2.0 seemed controversial to some in the room. Many rush to ADT at .2, myself included, but if I bounce again to BCR I will rethink the whole thing. Currently I am 2 months post 6 months of ADT treatment, 6 months post salvage radiation with my T@ 208 and PSA undetectable. I switched to Orgovyx after 3 months due to Anemia while on Lupron. After 3 months on Orgovyx my anemia was gone and LDL started to rise some. I had a hard time with radiation as the practice I went to wasn't interested in any prophylactic measure such as SpaceOre or Oxybutynin for bladder spaz. As a result my radiation truly sucked, blew up twice on the table in one session and now have Radiation proctitis. It sucks and I need to get in to see someone. I would suggest to anyone doing radiation to get Space Ore gel or similar and Oxybutynin for bladder urgency. If they won't do it, run don't walk away and find another radiologist. All this stuff is scary but a good provider will tee you up for success but nothing is guaranteed. Best wishes on your journey.