This is why I never think it's a good idea to bring a medical oncologist in when what one is still going for a cure with radiation. A radiation oncologist is the specialist one needs for that. It's just not an MO's specialty and they don't know. It more often just adds confusion.
So what the ADT does, is it helps your salvage RT work better. That's the theory at least, and there are some studies to support that but no real proof yet, which can only come from a randomized clinical trial.. It may be especially useful in cases like yours where there is known lymph node involvement. In the following study, prostate cancer survival was significantly higher among those who received a combination of radiation and hormone therapy:
Combination of Adjuvant Hormonal and Radiation Therapy Significantly Prolongs Survival of Patients With pT2–4 pN+ Prostate Cancer: Results of a Matched AnalysisThe other
open question is how
much hormone therapy is needed with it. They generally like to begin the radiation about
2 months after ADT to allow it to radio-sensitize the cancer. Then it is used concurrently and afterwards. The total duration is anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. It's anyone's guess how long it takes the ADT to work with your immune system to complete the job.
- Allen