Finished 28 Proton Therapies

With proton’s Bragg-Peak characteristics (look it up), exposure to surrounding normal tissues is minimized, with little radiation entry-dose, minimal radiation scatter, and no radiation exit-dose. Side-effects like burns to the skin would be rare.

At 65y with a 7(4+3), I had 28 sessions of proton radiation (during April-May 2021), plus Casodex (Bicalutimide), 6 months (two 3-month injections) of Eligard, and SpaceOAR Vue.

Proton radiation treatments were relatively uneventful.

PSA was a (Finasteride-adjusted) 7.976 ng/mL prior to treatment, dropped as low as < 0.008 during treatment (due to the Eligard; testosterone dropped to 3.0 ng/dL. Since radiation treatment and Eligard ended, PSA now varies between 0.3-0.5 ng/mL, with the most recent PSA being 0.43 ng/mL.

So far, there’s no evidence of disease. Hope your outcome is as successful.

yes. I was told that the shading on both hip thighs would be noticeable but I kept putting skin cream on it throughout my treatments and it's almost down to Nil now.

jc76, did you experience radiation burns to the skin during treatement? Likely the least of the problems because no one mentions it.
Thanks

Thanks, jc76.

if you decide on the proton beam therapy make sure that your initial technician has loads of experience with the procedure when it comes to the Hydro Gel Space Oar. it truly makes a difference after completing the treatments and monitoring the after effects for the next two three three years. you must diligently prep yourself before each treatment to maximize the protection and always find your sweet spot for hydration.

Hi. Thanks for your concern.

I am very early in the triage process, with elevated total PSA of 5.7, free PSA 8%, negative DRE, and an MRI scan scheduled in early Feb.

My interest in proton beam therapy at this stage is building background on modern treatment modalities, side effects, and best in class treatment locations.

@joecontheroad

Most of the research I read and my oncologist/radiologist, urologist says that most side effects are usually over in 2-3 years. Some of the most prominent ones is the rectal bleeding. It is usually not major but minor. It is caused by the radiation damage to rectum during treatments even though Space/Oar and proton radiation.

What I am told is the radiation damages the blood vessels in rectum and new ones grow. The new ones are very fragile so bowel movements and constipation can cause them to bleed. I am told this is temporary as the blood vessels will grow stronger and this will stop.

I am 6 months from my last treatment. I really have had only one small bleed and some urination slow that has rectified itself. The only on going issue is drippling after urination. Seems I just can't get all out. My radiologist/oncologist said this is and can be just old age where muscles are just not that strong anymore. So have been doing kegel exercises which has really helped with urine retention but not after urination drippling.

The after effects after 10 years can vary throughout many patients so nothing is set in stone.

Does anybody know of research on the side effects of proton therapy over time... say 10 years (he said very optimistically!)