Starting Proton Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Any experiences?

@vircet
Did not know you were located in Canada. I think most posters on MCC are in U.S. so we forget this is a world wide group.

The SBRT is still an excellent treatment for prostate cancer. It is what is offered at Mayo Jacksonville. Both photon and proton have equivalent success rates for treating prostate cancer. So you still got great and approved treatment.

The difference is that photon goes in at full dose, treats cancer, and exits as full dose. Proton enters at low dose, releases if full dose a programmed locations, and stops, it does not continue through body.

For some of us that was important. For others I have read they prefer it continuing so it can catch anything missed and othe comments. I just got the lastest study results from UFHPTI and it showing some differences.

The U.S. federal grant to UFHPTI just closed recruitment for it as they now have 2,500 individuals enrolled for long term study or radiation treatments of prostate cancer patients. I am part of that study and go through rigorous on going questionares and in office visit.

I'm 67 had proton radiation, 5 treatments only at Mayo Rochester last October. I believe one of the few places that have it down to 5 treatments. Gleason score was 4 + 3 = 7 psa 6.3 now .3. No side effects at all. Fyi stayed at the Hope Lodge in Rochester free which was an unbelievable place. Good Luck !!!!

Am I understanding it correctly, that by "proton radiation, 5 treatments only" -- you mean no ADT? Regardless of whether your treatment was with ADT or not, I'm happy & wish to congratulate for your los PSA now.
I had SBRT photon radiation in mid-April, with ADT/Orgovyx from late March continuing for at least 8 months up to a year, oncologist daid.m. I noticed some mucus & blood in my stool for a few days post-SBRT. I suspect due to some healthy cells' damage due to no gel spacer between the prostate - rectal area, I'll never know.

They recommended 4 months ADT, I did not want the ADT ( a personal choice ) and yes just 5 proton treatments.

Hi, my numbers were the same as yours except PSA was 4.4, I went to Mayo Rochester. They recommended 5 Proton treatments. I am doing great with a PSA of 0.01.
Good Luck,
JB

What was your Gleason score? You and @bigtoe both had 5 proton treatments at Mayo Rochester. Did you also decline ADT? He had GS 4+3. If you had the same GS, the more I question, why do I need 8 months to a year of ADT for my Gleason 3+4? I have been on Orgovyx since March 26 and I plan to take it for no more than six months post-SBRT.

Three years after, have you no regrets for opting out ADT (hormone therapy)? As you expected, and I expect as well?

@bigtoe
Most all the major prosate treatment centers are now offering the high dose less treatments along with low dose extended treatments.

The limited research (since the new 5 high dose) is fairly new showing both having about same success rate on treatments.

My PCP at Mayo (not my statistic or research) told me the research is showing an increase in side affects with the high dose treatments. My R/O at UFHPTI did not like doing the 5 high dose for many reasons. I had 30 rounds of pencil beam proton radiation.

It would make sense that the high dose would bring on the side affects quicker. But from my opinion and just an opinion the shorter 5 doses on 5 separate days versus 30 days would allow the body to start healing much faster than being bombarded for 6-7 weeks versus 2.

If I had the option today not sure I would not go with the 5 day treatment as the mental aspect of getting it over psychologically can really help.

My GS was 3+4, sorry for the error.

I had 28 sessions Proton. Prep is being regular, constipation is an issue be sure to communicate with your RO. Drink sufficient water , set up a consistent pattern to have bladder full. Always have rectal spacer with proton, it can cause rectal bleeding. After I completed my course my doc told me up to 30% of patients may have rectal bleeding, much of it light. Spacer is helpful with that. I am 5 months out and OK. Have had some rectal urgency but that is getting better. I think IMRT is just as good, SBRT is as good but a bit harder on urinary tract. MRI Guided SBRT is currently the best in my mind if your doc recommends. My opinion all, best of luck!