PSA numbers: Questions about new treatments

Hi @marko1, you'll notice that I moved your message to the Prostate Cancer group. I did this so you can meet others talking about prostate cancer and treatment. You ask a very good question. Why can't we just kill the cancer cells and not destroy the good cells? More and more therapies are being studied to do just that. These are called targeted therapies that target the cancer cells specifically.

Click this link and scroll down to the section called "The latest treatment options". There you will see a list of radiation therapy techniques used by Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic radiation oncologists are experts in planning treatment that targets prostate cancer cells and spares as much nearby healthy tissue as possible.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20353097
Have you asked your oncologist about clinical trials that you may be eligible for? Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer?

I took an approach using Focal Laser Ablation with Dr Sperling in Florida. This was in 2014 then again in 2018. You may want to research it for yourself. I also tried Marajuana Oil I used 60 grams in 90 days following the Rick Simpson Protocol. It’s something else you may wish to research. I am also taking Lupron for the past year.

I can understand your concern. I was in your position a year ago. I was diagnosed with prostrate cancer with a Gleason of 8 and 6. My urologist gave me a book written by Dr Patrick Walsh titled A Guide to Surviving Prostrate Cancer. I have to admit that I began to panic after reading his book. The range of possible treatment surprised me. I thought there might be several options, but learned there were considerably more. What panicked me was that I was to decide on which treatment to use. So, what I took from the book was Dr Walsh's recommendation that you should get treatment from a research based cancer center. His research indicated that you are more likely to get a better outcome. That is one of the reasons I pursued treatment at Mayo.

When I met with my radiation oncologist at Mayo, his first question was whether I had any scans. I quickly learned that the cancer has a tendency to spread and if it does, the treatment becomes much more complex. So, regardless of the type of treatment, it is important to do a thorough diagnosis. When I had my treatment, I met others who did have cancer cells outside the prostrate. The statistics I've seen indicate that 40 per cent of men get a recurrence of the cancer. So, it's important to get the best treatment up front. I had proton beam therapy and Antigen Deprivation Therapy (hormone therapy). The ADT is to try and kill any rogue cancer cells left in my system. By the way, I chose proton beam therapy because it damages less of the good tissue.

Good luck with your decision. Talk to as many people as possible, including cancer survivors. The web site for "The Brotherhood of the Balloon" has good information on proton beam therapy.

Yes I have
Been seeing drs,
From Maine medical center
Not sure what out there for me
If you could let me know what I might be able to do as far as trials ,
I m just a. Couple hours from boston
Thank you very mich

I’m 60 years I have been getting PSA tests for the last 10 yrs last year psa was 3.9 this year its 15. My family doctor said I more than likely have cancer. Referred me to a urologist my first appointment with him is in two months is that too long to wait, should I find another urologist on my own ?

That's probably not too long but I would agree that you in all probability, have cancer. Your numbers jumped pretty quickly, as did mine (9.4 to 18 in three months). Count on having a biopsy (demand anesthesia, you'll thank me later). If I could do it all over again, I think addressing cancer sooner might help preserve lymph structures and crucial nerves by intervening while your margins are negative (cancer contained to the gland and not metastasis to the surrounding bones, etc). On a personal note, I would not have chosen any facility other than Mayo for my cancer treatment. I am 61 years old. Good luck to you!

First, I would get a second PSA test to confirm the high level. Then, I would not wait for 2 months. Mayo should get you an appt much sooner than that. If you need a biopsy, go straight to MRI guided biopsy. It is more accurate and can see cancer lesions in hard to access parts of the prostate. Good luck!

I wouldn't wait 2 months for sure. I was diagnosed 10 years ago and had a radical prostatecomy and then because the margin was so close to the edge I had radiation. My psa now has gone from 2.88 too 6.22 in 6 months and I am scheduled for a ct scan and a bone scan this coming Monday. I should probably get another psa since my doctor here said one of the vitamins I take may have caused it to be higher than what it should be.

Hello JP59,
Followed my PSA from about 3 to 8.5 over the past 5 years and decided to treat the prostate cancer this year. I completed two MRI guided biopsies and anesthesia was absolutely not needed - no issues or pain. I'm currently about to complete 39 Proton Beam treatments along with androgen suppression (two shots three months apart) and have only minor side effects. The results of the MRI and biopsy were the turning point for me to start treatment.

All the Best.

Thank you