Connect
PSA did not drop after Holep procedure...
In July2023, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer Gleason 6, 12/24 cores positive in the Biopsy. I had a Holep in Dec24 which went very well, no lingering issues. The only problem is that my PSA did not drop (stayed at 5) when I went in for my 3-month check after the procedure. Now I'm scheduled for a Prostate MRI to see what's going on. Has anyone had a similar experience after Holep?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Connect
@kam065
I am not familiar with Holep? Can you explain what it is?
A Gleason 6 is not very high. Did they offer a Decipher? What were you told was your risk level?
This is first time on MCC that I have heard of Holep.
What is HoLEP? Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is a minimally invasive procedure that uses pulses of laser beam to remove tissue from the inside of the prostate, which surrounds the urethra (the tube leading from the bladder to the urinary opening). Google search says its to help with BPH. It doesnt sound like a procedure that would have done anything with the cancer. Probably why the PSA did not drop.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI don't have prostate cancer, just BPH. Had a Holep in January and my PSA went from 21.7 on 8-9-2024 to .56
on 3-17-2025. Holep was done on 1-21-25.
As an aside, my testosterone went from 289 on 4-25-2024 to 600 on 3-17-2025. I don't understand either one. Data from Sonora Labs. Report also said I have a UTI. That might have something to do with the odd numbers but I have no symptoms of a UTI.
As far as my limited research is concerned, it seems to me that the Holep is more of a symptom reliever than a prostate cancer treatment.
The prostate goes around the urethra, the Holep is working from inside and making a clearer path to the bladder to remove obstruction.
I don't see how we could expect it to be a effective treatment for PCa. I think we'd have to be awfully lucky to have that procedure actually rid anyone of prostate cancer. It woud mean that the cancer was in that small piece of prostate involved.
Given what you've told us, it would indicate to this non medical person, that your cancer is simply elsewhere in the gland. The fact that your PSA is holding steady and you were diagnosed a Gleason 6 is good(ish) news. Sounds to me like the MRI makes perfect sense to check and see if there seems to be any growth compared to your last one. If you didn't have one during your diagnostic phase, this will give you a baseline.
Best of luck to you!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThat makes sense. I have seen jeffmarc remark that PSA can increase with BPH. Sounds like the procedure was effective for you. I too have had 3 UTI's. I had cancer and my prostate removed but I wear a condom bag for drips. I think I might get them from the bag. good luck