Connect
← Return to Is hormone therapy necessary with radiation?
Discussion
Is hormone therapy necessary with radiation?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Jul 19 8:36pm | Replies (104)Comment receiving replies
Jeff,
I know most studies always discuss PFS, Progession Free Survival which is different then OS, Overall survival. When I do see these mentioned together there is often little statistical differences between PFS and OS at five or ten years, yet going for the certain treatments always recommended for Standard of Care seems to rely on those PFS results over OS results. Often times the difference’s in treatment approaches can mean significant side effects for what appears to be little overall gain in benefit of survival by some of these studies just show differences in months. I feel it is so important for the second opinions and not to feel restricted by the National Cancer guidelines which make it so easy for Oncologist’s to say this is your recommended treatment and not really compare alternatives since Standard of Care does not offer other options with maybe less side effects even if the Standard of Care is arguably not that much better. Is it reasonable in a situation which certainly they are all different for individuals and their degree of their PC to say look PFS and OS are really not much different in this situation although the SOC based on the PFS studies will likely result in certain side effects, yet since OS is not much different in going another route with less side effects ho that approach.
Do you see much discussed regarding PFS and OS.
Replies to "Jeff, I know most studies always discuss PFS, Progession Free Survival which is different then OS,..."
@wheel1 Anecdotal evidence is non-scientific, but I'm at nearly 5 years progression-free survival after a 2021 diagnosis of stage 4b prostate cancer metastasised to my spine.
10–15 years ago, that diagnosis would have meant progression in 18–24 months and death in 3–5 years, so doublet therapy (ADT+ARSI) and MDT/PDRT for the win! They literally gave me a second chance at the life that I thought was about to run out when I was diagnosed at age 56.
Understood that optimal treatment for low-risk, early-stage PCa is a different discussion, but I personally don't mind ADT side effects too much as long as I'm still alive to experience them. 😉
Connect
@wheel1
It is true that you don’t see PFS or OS Compared in some of the studies. I think if you have a very short PFS, it’s going to impact your OS. You’re going to have to go in for more treatment you will have metastasis that have to be treated. That definitely affects OS Because of the drugs And treatments involved affect the body. Those kinds of treatments can have deleterious effects of the heart. They can also damage other organs like the liver and kidneys.
It’s a real dance. The 87-year-old doctor that was in the meeting I was talking about on Saturday felt he was over treated for prostate cancer and as a result, it has damaged his heart. Being on ADT and Zytiga at 82 was not optimal treatment. He has multiple heart issues that are not really treatable.
Just some things to think about.