Rising PSA under treatment.

I am T2b N with ? scapula met Dx in April 2012 at MDAnderson with Gleason of 3+4=7 in 3 core and 3+3=6 in couple more PSA 33. They got PSA down to .6 with Androgen Meds and said Radiation was the thing to do. Had it done locally in Missouri 41 factions ending 24Dec 2012.Things are looking good with PSA running 0.1s. Them Feb this year went to a .6 followed in 2 weeks to a 1. Referred to Medical Oncologist. He added Casadex. Then a PSA of 3 and a 4. last week a 5. Oncologist said has to be something else beside CA. He maybe prostatis or UTI. Come on. the antibiotics did no go. Scans show Node not seen Prostate small. Spot on Scapula unchanged in 2 years. Only other thing of note is Testosterone levels in single digit. Last one 8. I feel fine except occasional backache. Any ideas what is going on because no DR here seems to know.

When ADT fails quickly or never really works at all, Chemo can work surprisingly well...But as John T said, time to see an oncologist who specializes in PC..

Deros (and Friendly Fire)- thank you for fighting for our freedom and our liberties.

I would like to know more about this agent orange prostate cancer. Paul worked on military bases as a civilian contractor and I find my mind wandering and wondering if some exposure there may have been the reason for this. If there is separate research on what is working for that resistant cancer I feel like I need to have that knowledge in my arsenal as well.

I do hope that whatever steps are next for you all that it tamps it down good and hard this time.

Deros 1969-Friendly Fire 2,
This is Friendly Fire 1 and I want to apologize for inviting you by email to revisit this forum for advice and support. I regret that a "caustic" member disputed your statement when he knew better. "Agent Orange is linked to the deadliest form of prostate cancer in Vietnam war vets and raises risk of recurrent prostate cancer which is more aggressive than in those not exposed"-- Portland VA and UC Davis. Both Cancer Journal and Science Daily have stated that there is a 2 fold increase in the highest grade, most lethal cancer due to exposure. Enough already and I'll give the moderators my email so this can be continued behind closed doors if desired.

Staff Sergeant you have had a rough journey. It's no secret and certainly nothing to be ashamed of, but to have PTSD and then this "crap" can be more than depressing! I'm glad that you are returning to MDAnderson and hope that it won't be a long stay. Years ago I recall that 1 of the scans showed an "enlarged?" Lymph node. I don't know if your RO in your home state "zapped" it while you were getting radiation treatments or not; you might want to ask your RO before going to Houston. I think you had the same radiation gys as me (79?) And doubt if any more radiation can be given. Will talk soon--
Bill

John T,

I just looked at the evidence, and it seems that reported exposure to Agent Orange is associated with both prostate cancer incidence and aggressiveness.

The following study found a 52% increase in the risk of detecting PC, and a 75% increase in risk of high grade PC. Interestingly, there was no increase in risk of low grade PC:

Agent Orange as a risk factor for high-grade prostate cancer

The following study was the seminal one. They concluded: "Individuals who were exposed to Agent Orange had an increased incidence of prostate cancer; developed the disease at a younger age, and had a
more aggressive variant than their unexposed counterparts."

Agent Orange exposure, Vietnam War veterans, and the risk of prostate cancer
(you can read the full text if you click on "Get PDF" on the right)

The editors of Cancer wrote an editorial in support of their findings and encouraging PSA testing of exposed vets. (click on "Get PDF" to read it in full.)

- Allen

Thanks Allan, I stand corrected.