TULSA PRO Results at 3 plus years - Treated for High Grade Gleason 8

In February of 2023, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Of my 12 core biopsy, 5 came back with cancer. I had 1 Gleason 6, 2 Gleason 7's a 3+4 and a 4+3 and I had 2 Gleason 8 samples. They sent the Gleason 8's to Decipher for Genomic testing and this confirmed I had aggressive cancer with a Decipher score of .71. After 3 years it appears I am still cancer free....multiple scans (both MRI's and now a post treatment PSMA PET) and blood tests...my cancer has taken a hike and not visible anywhere.

Prior to my TULSA treatment, I had a pre-treatment PSMA PET scan that indicated my cancer was confined to my prostate. I believe the PSMA PET scan is a game changer. In my opinion, if the PSMA PET indicates the cancer is confined to the prostate...TULSA will eliminate the cancer regardless of the Gleason grade when properly applied. In my opinion, patients should not be restricted to low grade or intermediate grade.

I did have some difficulty urinating after I removed the catheter on day 11. I jumped into a hot bath tub and that did the trick and perhaps saved me from having it put back in. This was my only issue. Other than that, everything worked perfectly and did so in quick fashion.

Since my TULSA took place prior to the AI advancements that from what I understand assist with mapping and may increase or boost the energy in the cancer area...my doctor went over that area of aggressive cancer a couple of extra times.

Since my treatment, I have had multiple MRI's, a PSMA PET scan and naturally PSA tests. My PSA is steady, I still have a 22 cc prostate and still produce PSA. All of my scans have been perfectly clear. They still do a prostate density calculation and it remains .10 or less. I am 68 years old and in good shape. I don't need medication to assist with any of my functions.

I do feel that doctors who choose not to mention TULSA to their patients are doing them a disservice. I recognize that stating prostate removal is barbaric may be controversial...but, if the PSMA PET and MRI's indicate your cancer is confined to the prostate, why would anyone have their prostate removed? To be honest, I still think this should be an option if the cancer has spread...the cancer that has spread will be attacked using other methods...just as it is if the prostate is removed.

I recognize that I have a prostate that has demonstrated a propensity to grow cancer. So, it might return. With that said, I don't have any signs of cancer now and if a new cancer develops, I can have TULSA again. A couple of doctors who are experts in this field told me that there is no way that my cancer is going to develop in the treated area as that area has absolutely no blood flow. My PSA is now checked every 6 months (rather than 3) and going forward, my MRI's will be once a year. I won't be having additional PSMA PET scans unless my PSA velocity rises at a rate consistent with cancer.

The results of the CAPTAIN trial might just change everything...The CAPTAIN trial (NCT05027477) is a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial comparing MRI-guided Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation (TULSA) to radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized, intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

My purpose of posting this is merely to help others in their decision making process. Regardless of what treatment you or your loved one may choose to treat your cancer, I wish you success and a life of happiness. I don't check this board often, but will try to check in every few months or so. I am ready to move forward...thank you for understanding if you don't receive an immediate response. I just hadn't seen too many people with the trifecta of prostate cancers Gleason's 6,7 and 8 treated with TULSA and thought my history might be helpful to some with aggressive prostate cancer.