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psa question

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Posted 5/31/2016 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
My father recently finished his eb radiation treatments (3weeks ago). He is approximately 5 months since the start of hormone treatment. Before treatment started his psa was 12. At appointment today is psa is down to 0.5. I'm wondering if anyone could provide some feedback as to what is a favorable low psa? Is there a certain low psa number after initial treatment that has shown to be favorable in predicting long term success? How long should we be expecting to wait post radiation for psa to hit its low point?

Any feedback is much appreciated as always!
Thanks
Posted 5/31/2016 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
Yes the PSA should be much lower than before he started. There are no 'magic' numbers. Just lower and not rising is all you need.

Until he's off the HT, you won't know how well the radiation did as the HT will suppress the PSA.

In general, RT is very slow to take effect, months, year. Right now, I'd say: PARTY TIME!!! 12 to .5, so good.

Enjoy,
Andrew
Posted 5/31/2016 4:40 AM (GMT 0)
0.5 is a good magic number - but that would be after the HT wears off. It takes as long as it takes - everyone's different.
Posted 5/31/2016 4:53 AM (GMT 0)
I believe that Dr Scholz had a study that indicated that if psa reached .02 on hormone therapy and remained there for 3 months there was a significant difference in overall long term survival.
Posted 5/31/2016 5:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi guys,
Thanks for all the feedback. Always much appreciated! Not quite party time yet, he's got some severe bladder spasm still going on. Hoping we can get them under control and get some quality of life back for him. Then I'm hoping for some party time! It's so great to have this board around to hear from you guys and your truly extensive knowledge and experience with this. Hoping and praying for those ultra low psa numbers, and to see them stick around for a very long time.
All the best!
Posted 5/31/2016 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Great numbers! Hope that holds for him. Take care. -JR
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