Lupron Treatment Duration: How long were you on it?

Posted by frankstags @frankstags, Jul 7, 2020

I have been diagnosed with Grade 3 prostate cancer with a 4 + 3 Gleason score of 7. This after having 2 PSA scores last year between 4 and 7. The cancer has not spread to the bones. I have received two Lupron injections 3 months apart and will complete 28 radiation treatments in the next couple of days. No surgery. I have tolerated the Lupron shots well with few but manageable side effects. I have an appointment to receive a third Lupron shot next month. My first PSA test after completing radiation won't be scheduled for 3 months. From researching Lupron, it appears that this is used for advanced stages of prostate cancer. From what I was led to believe, I was not advanced. My question: How long and how many Lupron shots might I need to go through? I will have this discussion with my urologist hopefully before proceeding with the next shot. Thanks for any information provided by the group.

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bruto1 | @bruto1 | Jul 7, 2020

My treatment plan and related side-effects from Lupron are almost identical. I completed radiation treatment in May and plan to have my PSA tested in September. I remain on Lupron until then. My goal is to stop Lupron in September, presuming my PSA levels have dropped to a low and acceptable level. I will then be re-tested approximately 3 months later to determine if there has been any change in my PSA. Frankly, I don't believe there is a standard protocol for the duration of Lupron based on MD conversations and my own research. It has become apparent to me that some MDs will err on the side of long duration, even as long as two years to make sure that any remaining or emergent cancer cells post-radiation are starved of all testosterone to prohibit growth. Of course, extended use of Lupron guarantees that you will continue to suffer side-effects for some time, the most difficult of which in my judgment is the loss of libido. After two years on Lupron, regaining your libido after cessation of hormone treatment is highly problematic. Moreover, Lupron also can contribute to longer term health problems, including coronary issues. Much depends on the health on the individual patient. As always with prostate cancer it seems, hormone deprivation therapy comes with its own series of trade-offs that make clearcut decisions difficult. I would bring your hard questions to your urologist when you meet with him on this topic.