Hi Julie, - Statistically, the PSA "bounce" phenomena occurs in about
one third of men treated with radiation and if it occurs, USUALLY happens between 1 to 2 years following treatment (18 months on average). As with all such data there are variations but this time frame reflects the greatest percentage of the occurrence in the medical literature.
Other important information, is that the length of time that the elevation lasts can also vary and can be present in more than reading, depending on the time frame between PSA results. IF it is a "bounce", the PSA should resume its downward trend and it is POSSIBLE that the eventual nadir (lowest reading) MIGHT be less than the 0.9 ng/ml previously experienced.
It is also important to know that more than one clinical trial has reported that those patients experiencing the "bounce", as a group, had NO ill effects from the experience and NO increase in morbidity (side effects) or mortality than did those patients who did NOT experience the phenomena. In fact in one study, those experiencing the bounce actually fared better than the non-bounce control group, although not significantly..
The only way to tell its true significance is to continue to monitor the results until the eventual permanent trend can be identified. PSA's will either (1) return to the former downward trend until a new nadir is reached and remain there, (2) will continue the recent upward trend for 2 more regularly scheduled PSA drawings, signifying a probable recurrence or (3) will stabilize at its present level and remain there. This is where the professional advisors experience and knowledge is helpful in ensuring the proper decision making response. Hopefully, it will be number ! and he can simply continue a favorable recovery. Good luck! -
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