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Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) over diagnosis?

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Dec 14, 2023 | Replies (32)

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@spino

"Gleason 6" never metastasizes." But Gleason 6 at one point sometimes later is Gleason 7=4+3 (4 is more prevalent than 3 in the biopsy.) And Gleason 7=4+3 can actually be 4+3+5 (the score is the two most prevalent types of cells in each biopsy.) And when my prostate was removed, there was one small spot with negative margins (the cancer[-ish, if you feel like Cooperberg] cells extended to the edge of what was reviewed by the pathologist after the surgery. And yes, in that case, there is a 50-75% likelihood the cancerous "prostatic" cells prosper to the point of being identifiable outside the prostate itself. (Metastasis is defined as secondary malignant growths at a distance from the primary site, not adjacent to it.)
So yes, I can agree that Gleason 6 "never" metastasizes--by definition. So if you want to call it something other than cancer, that's fine with me.
I began "active surveillance" in my early 40s. However, 20 years and some major relocations later, that surveillance was not only less active, it became inactive. (I didn't know the standard medical screening guidelines had changed and my then primary MD did not know or discuss my relevant history, she just didn't order the screening with my bloodwork.) When that changed and I had a better MD, behold, a lot more PSA for my somewhat enlarged gland and with an mpMRI, behold, a nodule of concern. But then the next mpMRI, behold, a second nodule of greater concern (2 months apart, so probably a difference in data and/or interpretation, not growth.) And then the mpMRI guided transperineal biopsy, behold, intermediate unfavorable (7=4+3), only in the nodule not discovered on the first mpMRI.
So that is my story of how I went from "this is overblown" to Stage 2 (where Stage 4 is metastasis.) Of course, I would still like to stop where I am, but my active surveillance post-RALP is a lot more active now than it was a few years ago :-).

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Replies to ""Gleason 6" never metastasizes." But Gleason 6 at one point sometimes later is Gleason 7=4+3 (4..."

Thank you for relating your AS experience.

What was your Gleason score when you started AS in your early 40’s?

I’m also curious as to how you made that initial AS decision versus selecting some kind of treatment.

It is my understanding that the PCa community was much more reluctant to recommend AS twenty years ago.

I have a friend who was diagnosed with Gleason 6 twenty years ago and went with RP. He is now in his early 70’s and doing fine.

I think the most important decision any man diagnosed with PCa, no matter what plan or treatment he ultimately chooses, is what he plans to do about his WEIGHT, his DIET and his level of vigorous AEROBIC exercise. These last three items are totally within the control of the individual.

How we got ourselves into a position where PCa is diagnosed is history.

Once the stage of one’s PCa is absolutely confirmed (no small matter, btw); then IMHO the most important decision is what one plans to do about their Weight, Diet and Exercise.

This decision should be made BEFORE considering the AS, surgery, radiation and/or ADT options.

Again, from my research the former decision will guide the later.

IMHO the less one plans (and commits to do) to change their weight, diet and level of exercise, the more radical the level of treatment selected should be, with the full acceptance of the higher risks of the negative side effects that come with ALL forms of treatment.