Connect
← Return to Post RT 6 years after RP with Rising PSA now at .28.
Discussion
Post RT 6 years after RP with Rising PSA now at .28.
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Oct 5 7:14pm | Replies (39)Comment receiving replies
@zhit Thanks, Carl - often wondered but never pursued the idea since my head is already at the point of exploding with way too much info to process….when even an AI model says ‘sorry, I cannot help you’ you know you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of possibilities😳
One last thought: Did you have ADT with SRT? I mentioned it in my post but don’t think you did.
I opted for it even though the new protocols say that you don’t need it for PSA’s lower than 0.7. I wasn’t going to kick myself in the ass a few years after SRT for not taking that extra step, useful or not.
Phil
Replies to "@zhit Thanks, Carl - often wondered but never pursued the idea since my head is already..."
We were advised that if we ever need (or want) salvage (or adjuvant) that 6 mos ADT is preferable. It seems that again every institution has it's own protocol. However as far as I read research papers show that having ADT gives better results as well as treating pelvic region + nodes. BUT, protocol is probably also adjusted to individuals age and health status in general. All studies usually have "average age of 65" and usually exclude patients over 70 not because they have different response but because they wish to follow patients for 15 years. At least that is my understanding.
It should not be surprising that healthy cells survive - if radiation caused all cells to die that would be devastating - than surrounding healthy tissues would die too , god forbid. This is how radiation works - it kills abnormal cells if it is done correctly (correct strength and correct amount). ADT theoretically makes abnormal cells even weaker.
Also, lets not forget that salivary glands can produce PSA as well as pancreas and breast tissue and that viral infection can increase PSA temporarily even after RP. That is why IMHO it is important to follow a trend of PSA rising and not concentrate on a single occasional blip on a radar.
Connect
@heavyphil No ADT yet nor was it suggested until we had more info. I consider myself lucky and try not to focus on the past. I'm 78 and still have good quality of life.
Hope your #s stay low. 😋