1. < Prostate Cancer

Eligard With ERBT or Not?

Posted by fisch @fisch, Oct 8, 2023

I have a dear friend who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Jan of this year. After multiple tests and biopsies, including MRI and PET that show no spread, it is suggested that he go the ERBT route, which he is ok with. Hormone therapy (Eligard) had never been mentioned until his most recent discussion with the radiologist, and he felt that this is considered optional. After reading side effects, he is apprehensive, and feels that the risks might outweigh the benefits. At 79, quality of life is definitely an issue. Any thoughts or experiences either way would be greatly appreciated. Many Thanks!

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web265 | @web265 | Oct 8, 2023

My radiation oncologist had the same attitude toward hormone therapy (ADT), he quoted me that it only gives 3%-5% better outcomes. He also feels that 6mos to 12 mos of the drug is plenty. My surgeon on the other hand is adamant that I be on the drug for 2 years. (I'm at 16 mos at this point)

My feeling was "gimme all ya got doc!" But my RO would have been quite comfortable with my not taking it as well. We have to make those decisions for ourselves.

I was diagnosed at 61 though. Theoretically, I'd have a couple more decades than your friend, (sorry, there's just no nice way to say that). If I was 79, knowing what little I do now, it would depend on my QOL, activity level etc.. as to if I'd take the drug or not.

Its a personal decision all of us in this situation face. "Given my current age, health, other potential issues do I want to put myself through this?"

The side effects seem to be different for different folks, I have hot flashes for the most part. This makes it tough to sleep sometimes. I stay very active to combat the effects. I have a couple other things mentioned in the potential side effects but it might just be from my age and other gifts I got from my father's genes.

The purpose, as I understand it, of the hormone therapy is to weaken the cancer cells by essentially depriving them of their food, testosterone. It is believed that the weakened cells become more susceptible to the damaging radiation which alters the dna of the cell making it impossible for the cells to replicate, instead they just die off. (or at least that's the plan)

I realize this wasn't much help, but, I guess it sometimes helps to read others thought process and experience. Your dear friend is lucky to have you to support him!
Best of luck to both of you going forward!
Mike

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1 reply
hbp | @hbp | Oct 8, 2023

I am 76 and was diagnosed 2 years ago with Gleason 9 CR. I was on ADT and Erleada for 13 months with RP. The meds were not great but not terrible ( mostly sleepy ). I have been off of meds for 10 months, feel very good now, hopeful for 10 more years. I do not regret my cancer treatment decision.

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1 reply
fisch | @fisch | Oct 8, 2023
In reply to @web265 "My radiation oncologist had the same attitude toward hormone therapy (ADT), he quoted me that it..." + (show)
@web265

My radiation oncologist had the same attitude toward hormone therapy (ADT), he quoted me that it only gives 3%-5% better outcomes. He also feels that 6mos to 12 mos of the drug is plenty. My surgeon on the other hand is adamant that I be on the drug for 2 years. (I'm at 16 mos at this point)

My feeling was "gimme all ya got doc!" But my RO would have been quite comfortable with my not taking it as well. We have to make those decisions for ourselves.

I was diagnosed at 61 though. Theoretically, I'd have a couple more decades than your friend, (sorry, there's just no nice way to say that). If I was 79, knowing what little I do now, it would depend on my QOL, activity level etc.. as to if I'd take the drug or not.

Its a personal decision all of us in this situation face. "Given my current age, health, other potential issues do I want to put myself through this?"

The side effects seem to be different for different folks, I have hot flashes for the most part. This makes it tough to sleep sometimes. I stay very active to combat the effects. I have a couple other things mentioned in the potential side effects but it might just be from my age and other gifts I got from my father's genes.

The purpose, as I understand it, of the hormone therapy is to weaken the cancer cells by essentially depriving them of their food, testosterone. It is believed that the weakened cells become more susceptible to the damaging radiation which alters the dna of the cell making it impossible for the cells to replicate, instead they just die off. (or at least that's the plan)

I realize this wasn't much help, but, I guess it sometimes helps to read others thought process and experience. Your dear friend is lucky to have you to support him!
Best of luck to both of you going forward!
Mike

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Thank you so much, Mike for taking the time to share your thoughts. It is so helpful, and much appreciated. I wish you the very best……Mary Ann

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fisch | @fisch | Oct 8, 2023
In reply to @hbp "I am 76 and was diagnosed 2 years ago with Gleason 9 CR. I was on..." + (show)
@hbp

I am 76 and was diagnosed 2 years ago with Gleason 9 CR. I was on ADT and Erleada for 13 months with RP. The meds were not great but not terrible ( mostly sleepy ). I have been off of meds for 10 months, feel very good now, hopeful for 10 more years. I do not regret my cancer treatment decision.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and thoughts. It is appreciated. I wish you the very best.

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grandpun | @grandpun | Oct 9, 2023

My situation is very similar to "hbp's".
Almost 77. RARP 01/2022 then ADT (Lupron) and I look forward to my last shot in 03 of '24.
Side affects have been hot flashes though reduced by paroxetine (and fans with remote switches at all strategic locations at home). Frequency reduced by about 80% and intensity by about 50% - very tolerable now.
I do need (?) to sleep some 9 hours/night.
Lately I've noticed I've lost strength. Last weekend was the duck hunting opener and it was very hard to hold steady on the target let alone connect - lucky ducks!
And my endurance is a thing of the past; at least so far.
My quality of life is as good as I want it to be. Took several trips last summer with a couple more to go :)))
Incontinence solved with an AMS 800 (artificial male sphincter) implanted.
Now and future outlook:
Good times with family and especially grand kids, and friends.
Considering the possibilities I'm way good! And most thankful!!!!!
After the last shot I'm very hopeful to get back some of the physical abilities that have slipped away,
But no matter what, my 'quality of life' is fantastic and cancer is on "hold" for the foreseeable future.
I'm blessed and hope you will be too.

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fisch | @fisch | Oct 9, 2023

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Your comments and insights are so encouraging, and it is good to hear from someone who has “been there”. It sounds like you are doing very well and that you are looking forward to many happy times ahead! Wishing you the best.

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