PSA "undetectable" for amost a year: Continue to monitor

I had prostate cancer and underwent a radical prostatectomy a year ago. Two subsequent PSA test results showed very, very low PSA. Some 0.02. Do I need to continue to monitor my PSA?

@muhammadali1951 I'm not a medical doctor. I don't even play one on TV, but my medical team has me tested every 6 months for the next few years and then, provided PSA is not rising, annually after that for life. Some might even advise every 3 months for the first few years. Recurrences are possible even after many years and the earlier they are detected and caught, the better.

@muhammadali1951
Based on what I have learned from my doctors, other patients in similar situations, the guidelines, and books on the subject, I believe serial, periodic PSA testing should continue indefinitely rather than being stopped after just a couple of tests..

I would suggest that you talk to your surgeon as soon as practical\. If he believes there is no need for continued PSA monitoring, I would strongly recommend seeking a second opinion since stopping PSA monitoring after just two tests is an anomaly, that could put you at risk of failing to detect a potential future recurrence early enough.

@soli Thank you. I wll follow your advice. Thank you for taking time to write me.

@muhammadali1951
This is something you need to discuss with your medical doctors. I did not have prostatectomy but radiation. I am tested every 3 months per my request as R/O after 3 years said could move to every 6 months as PSA had declined to undetectable.

I hope you will concur with your doctors as they are the only ones with your full medical and mental health history, and your specific testing, diagnosis, your surgery, and what is specific for you not others as it is your cancer, your body, and your life.

@optimistic Agree. Why not be on the safe side, with a simple periodic test? The original cancer, as far as anyone knows, "came from nowhere", right? That "nowhere" is still there - again, as far as anyone knows. History is a warning.

@muhammadali1951
Hi, I just posted something about this recently. My PSA went from undetectable for 6 years, to .02 and now they are watching very closely to consider radiation or ADT. I am no MD either, however, given PCa unpredictability I will be checking my ultrasensitive PSA for the rest of my life. Likely, every 3 months. I would rather my first symptom be an elevated PSA than a bone lesion. Just my opinion.

@tom86 Thank you.

This is great news! Staying vigilant with regular monitoring can make a difference. I was undetectable for 2.5 years post-RP. Gleason 4+3, 80% grade 4, positive margins. They found that it had entered the bladder neck at the time of the RP. No salvage radiation. I had just entered the 6-month vs. the 3-month draw intervals. Unfortunately, I sustained a serious injury and underwent multiple surgeries. I missed one of my draws, so I went about a year before PSA was checked. PSA had gone from undetectable to 0.36 and, within two months, to 0.71. PSMA-Pet Scan showed lymph node metastasis in the right pelvic wall. That was 2 years ago. After ADT treatment, the cancer has progressed into the hip. Now classified as late-stage 4. My complacency bit me fast. Closely monitor. It snuck up on me fast. My best to you!

Your profile is almost the same as mine .. I had radiation, lupron and casadex for 2yrs .
PSA was undetectable for 4 yrs then a slight rise in year 4 to ..09
As my testosterone returned to normal.
I just had a consult with my oncologist yesterday and my PSA was .10 5 years now from diagnosis
I have been discharged to my family physician and will monitor PSA every 6 months for the next 5 years .. I am 76 yrs old so grateful for my outcome to date