Posted 6/27/2016 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi peanut,
Unfortunately, I don't think you will find any clinical trials for his situation (hormone sensitive, non-metastatic, post-docetaxel, still responding well to primary therapy). I've never seen any. But feel free to check for yourself.
* When is the best time to consider trials . . . immediately or once castrate resistance is reached?
There are many more clinical trials for the setting of metastatic castration resistant men, or for adjuvant therapies.
* Is it advisable for patients to research their own list of possible trials or ask the Med Onc to recommend applicable trials?
Both. Most clinical trials are listed in clinicaltrials.gov, several thousand for prostate cancer. In addition, some medical centers try out some new protocols. It never hurts to ask.
* Are some docs biased in the trials they might recommend? Should 2nd opinions be sought?
They recommend what they know and no one has time to know all of them. They will appreciate your bringing new ones to them to assess.
* Is there a good step-by-step article out there that walks patients through the process of finding and deciding upon a trial?
I'd start with clinicaltrials.gov. Put in the search box "prostate cancer" "non-metastatic" "hormone sensitive" "post-docetaxel" and any geographic requirements you may have. Check "open studies only." Pay careful attention to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Feel free to call directly any you think he may qualify for. They are usually thrilled to have patients call.
- Allen