I am 83 years old with a PSA of 6.5. Will have a prostate biopsy soon.

You have a difficult case and it might make sense for you to contact the one doctor that has experience and may be able to help.

Dr. Carl Rossi at the California proton center in San Diego has treated over 13,000 Prostate cancer patients with proton radiation. That radiation is a very tight beam that could very well zap your metastasis without damaging the aneurysm near the lymph nodes.

Proton radiation has much less spread than other types of radiation and as a result may be able to do this. Because Dr. Rossi has treated so many patients he may have the answer for you. You should definitely contact Him to see if treatment can be done there.

What types of radiation is used to treat cancer?

Isn't Proton radiation still EBRT?

Thank you!

First, wishing for good results from the biopsy. I assume there hss been some concern by your doctor or this would not be called for.
Ive been dealing with PC for 9 years and high BP and have not had conflict so odds are you won't either.. I'm 84 fyi.
Options! They will depend on your doctor to some degree. My doctor is a Radiation Oncologist so that was the first tool he offered me. After more research I did settle with him.. Over this past 9 he has used a drug, to reduce testosterone which feeds the cancer, in addition to extensive initial radiation and about 4 years in a quick radiation bout.
There have been no noticeable side effects from the radiation. The drug has caused a bit of loss of strength and stamia as well as hot flashes which in addition to bein very uncomfortable, destroyed my sleep patterns.
However, my PSA is down to 0.5 and i live a good life, day to day. Don't let PC define you!

A radiation oncologist should be your jockey when you need radiation, or chemo.. They shouldn’t be the doctor that makes the decision for all of your procedures since their specialty is radiation.

You should try getting in contact with a center of excellence and or a Genito urinary oncologist.

As long as you have been dealing with prostate cancer, you should’ve already switched over, But most people don’t realize that there are doctors that specialize in prostate cancer not just radiation.

Seven years after my cancer came back for the second time and I went on Lupron I was assigned a GU Oncologist And she has directed my care for the last eight years. I have gone to radiation oncologist, and had things done, But they don’t have the knowledge to guide my complete cancer care.

GU oncologists specialize in prostate cancer unlike medical oncologists who treat all types of cancer.

Actually my Urologist was the one who alerted and referred me to the oncologist for the biopsy that confirmed the cancer.

Thank you. The timing is right for this change. My current doctot is thinking of retiring at year end and I am planning on moving out of the area in the same time frame.

My husband is 81. He had the same reading and we were very surprised by the biopsy results (Gleason 4+5). He started with radiation (9 weeks) and then started Lupron Depot every 3 months and Abiraterone every day (both for 2 years). He was not a candidate for surgery.

I wouldn’t think about anything until you get the results. Make sure you have a good urologist and if necessary a good oncologist who will work together. We are thankful that ours are terrific.

Take a deep breath - we are sending hugs. Let’s see what the biopsy says. Prayers

EBRT usually implies electromagnetic radiation (photons). Protons are a different particle and the behavior is different. Can be targeted closely and does not penetrate far beyond the target unlike conventional EBRT.