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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Profile picture for scullrower @scullrower

My understanding is that the cancer becomes active again while getting Lupron because it has developed ways of producing its own testosterone and is less dependent on the testosterone made by the body. Lupron, however, still slows cancer growth to some degree. This is probably an oversimplification but, as a layman, it’s the best I have.

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Late to the conversation. Just wondering why your not seeing an oncologist at a cancer center? I was diagnosed with agressive metastatic stage 4b pc. PSA 40. Gleason scores all 4+5 or 5+4, Pirads 5. Spread to pelvic bones and lymph nodes. 6 docataxel chemo treatments, 6 radiation treatments, 2 years Lupron and Nubeqa and PSA is holding at .02. PET scan shows no cancer. Even bone cancer is gone. I went to MN Oncology. Just can't say enough about the great treatment I got there.

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@zr2, that's a tough decision when specialists offer differing opinions on the length of ADT. Did you stop after 9 months or will you continue? Did you bring the urologist's evaluation to the oncologist to discuss?

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I was diagnosed at 71 psa was 7.3 I had minor EPE and ended up having radiation for 28 days and was on Lupron for 2 yrs with injection every 3 months .
I also was treated with Casadex for 2 years.
I am 74 now and have been off of Lupron and Casadex for 16months.
My psa is undetectable and my T is starting to come back!

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Profile picture for zr2 @zr2

I’m 69 , was diagnosed with prostate cancer after biopsy PSA of 10 and total 7 for Gleason. My cancer was aggressive didn’t metastasize and was only contained in gland. I opted for 25 radiation treatments resulting in undetectable cancer and PSA. I have received 3 lupron 3 month shots. My oncologist wants me to continue for total of 18 months minimum. After consulting with my urologist, she recommended 6 months was sufficient based on my history and diagnosis. I’m leaning towards stopping now at which it will be 9 total months. I can respect my oncologist decision to look farther ahead but my urologist made strong support for discontinuing. What are your thoughts?

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@zr2, that's a tough decision when specialists offer differing opinions on the length of ADT. Did you stop after 9 months or will you continue? Did you bring the urologist's evaluation to the oncologist to discuss?

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Age 74, Gleason 7 (4+3) diagnosed 2/15/22. Lupron 3/27/22, IMRT 39 ZAPS,
9/1/22 Zytiga + Prednisone.
As of 8/15/24 (Date of freedom from drugs and treatment)
24 mos of zytiga
30 mos of lupron
39 zaps of IMRT
BOY AM I TIRED! Now age 77
Good luck to all you guys.

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Profile picture for rcctiger @rcctiger

Diagnosed at 71, I’m 74 now. My PSA was 4.72, but my Gleason was 8. My RA initially wanted me on Lupron for 12 months - 4+4+4. When I met with him prior to the second shot, he wanted to do a 6 month which I agreed to. Went back to 4 month for the last shot so I was on Lupron for 14 months. PSA still under .25 two years later.

I’m not a doctor, but if one doctor is telling you to be on Lupron for 6 months and the other 18 months, I would split the difference and do something in the 12-14 month range. Also, it takes awhile for the side effects to wear off which is something else to consider.

Hope this helps you with your decision. Good luck.

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I m on Zytiga for two years per my medical oncologist.

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Diagnosed at 71, I’m 74 now. My PSA was 4.72, but my Gleason was 8. My RA initially wanted me on Lupron for 12 months - 4+4+4. When I met with him prior to the second shot, he wanted to do a 6 month which I agreed to. Went back to 4 month for the last shot so I was on Lupron for 14 months. PSA still under .25 two years later.

I’m not a doctor, but if one doctor is telling you to be on Lupron for 6 months and the other 18 months, I would split the difference and do something in the 12-14 month range. Also, it takes awhile for the side effects to wear off which is something else to consider.

Hope this helps you with your decision. Good luck.

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I had 28 radiation treatments. I just had my second 6 month Lupron shot. The doctor gave me the option of stopping the Lupron if the side effects were really bothersome but he said the optimum treatment was to have two more Lupron shots at six month intervals. I chose to continue with the Lupron. The PSA will be checked in March. My side effects of the Lupron were hot flashes but not too bad, and legs feeling very tired. I continue to go to the gym and work out. That definitely helps.

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I’m 69 , was diagnosed with prostate cancer after biopsy PSA of 10 and total 7 for Gleason. My cancer was aggressive didn’t metastasize and was only contained in gland. I opted for 25 radiation treatments resulting in undetectable cancer and PSA. I have received 3 lupron 3 month shots. My oncologist wants me to continue for total of 18 months minimum. After consulting with my urologist, she recommended 6 months was sufficient based on my history and diagnosis. I’m leaning towards stopping now at which it will be 9 total months. I can respect my oncologist decision to look farther ahead but my urologist made strong support for discontinuing. What are your thoughts?

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Welcome, @pennyoverhill. Several members have talked about treatment with Abiraterone with prednisone like @mikesuess @ncoic @ringmastr1 @lag @lmacfive @joecontheroad.

How is your husband doing? Did he resume treatment?

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No he did not resume ABI/prednisone and eligard shots, quality of life was no good. They will test his PSA in three months. Still very weak!

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Profile picture for vinny59 @vinny59

I'm 65 , have you done radiation?

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28 radiation trips last March 2023. Had 2 pelvic lymph nodes with the agent Orange cancer.

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