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Posted 10/2/2014 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
My husband just found out his PSA has risen from 5.0 to 6.6, after only 6 months on Casodex and Lupron. Is this a big enough rise to be concerned that ADT is no longer working and he is becoming castrate resistant? We are still waiting on a call back from the doc to see what his thoughts are.

He was toying with the idea of trying to qualify for Provenge, so looks like we might be half way there!

Barb
Posted 10/2/2014 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
I suspect they will adjust the combination of meds first, look for more increases (if any), and then make a decision.

What sort of Lupron is he on - monthly, 6-month shots? Might make a difference in how they proceed.
Posted 10/2/2014 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
He is on the 3 month Lupron and also added Xgeva in about 2 months ago.
Posted 10/3/2014 12:11 PM (GMT 0)

gator92 said...
My husband just found out his PSA has risen from 5.0 to 6.6, after only 6 months on Casodex and Lupron. Is this a big enough rise to be concerned that ADT is no longer working and he is becoming castrate resistant? We are still waiting on a call back from the doc to see what his thoughts are.

He was toying with the idea of trying to qualify for Provenge, so looks like we might be half way there!

Barb

For planning purposes I would wait to get a second PSA increase at least 14 days apart to keep the possibility of Provenge open before following doctors advice that may be to stop taking the Casodex which sometimes paradoxically helps reduce PSA.

LupronJim
Posted 10/5/2014 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with LupronJim's recommendation - If you are considering Provenge, all you will have to do is get one more rising PSA, which can be as little as 14 days after the last one. Then you will meet all the tests required for Provenge. Once you have met these tests, you stay qualified even if your PSA goes back down after other drug additions/subtractions. Once you qualify, you keep that qualification. It worked for me when I was seeking Provenge - had to appeal the insurance denial 3x, but I won.
Bob
Posted 10/5/2014 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks! The doc wasn't too concerned at this point. They have switched from Quest to LabCorp, so he is thinking the change may partly be due to that. He will retest in another 3 weeks and go from there. Unfortunately, this doctor is not real keen on Provenge, but I am hoping if we push hard enough, he will work with us.
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