RT Consult Appt.

Ok.. this is actually for my Dad and not me for a change.  We just came back from the URO.  got his PSA results.... looks like he had the Ultrasensitive test done... but I'm not sure.  Now mind you.. these numbers are after his Lupron shot a few months back. This is what the report reads:

Free PSA %     8.7%

PSA-Hyb          0.563 ng/mL

free PSA          0.049 ng/mL

Pre Lupron was PSA 20!

Called and set up an appointment with the Rad. Onc...... my question is... which is the most beneficial therapy to go with for max results and least side affects?  I need to do some research before we go and sit down with the doc.

Can't believe he had recurrance after 16 years!!  He was all zero's until last Sept.

As usual... thanks guys!!!

Minn1951 said...
You mention that this is a recurrence after 16 years, what type of treatment did you have 16 years ago.

Wasn't me MINN... it was my Dad... he had an open RP

LV-TX said...
Hi Vam,

Sorry to hear your dad had a recurrance. But I have got to question the RT at this point. You are 50, so I take it that you dad is 70+ and there isn't any study I know of that will indicate that radiation therapy will work when PSA is above 2.0. You said his was 20 which would make it systemic and not local. You can use radation for mets to control pain if he has mets and is in pain, but otherwise I would think the protocol would be to stay on the HT route and keep it in remission which seems to be working now.

I will love to hear what the radiation oncologist will say about this.

Thanks for the response LV.... Dad is 77.  He doesn't have any mets... the tumor was actually growing just below the bladder neck.  You mentioned that RT would not work about 2.0... would that be pre Lupron??  I too amy curious to see what the RAD ONC is going to say.... I'll be posting his comments when I meet with him.

BillyBeans said...
Vam,
I would assume that it would be treated much the same as if it were the prostate. As he has been been undetectable for all these years it could not have been systemic therefore there have been no mets to date. A relapse so long after treatment is statistically a local development. You mentioned it can be seen by scan in the bladder neck which would tend to reinforce this. The rapid rise from 0 to 20 in under a year is definitely a cause for concern though......it seems it is doubling every 2 months 8. I should think that if your fathers general health is good it would be reasonable to nuke that area.
Bill

Hey Billy....  First off.... great conversation last night.  It was my first chat session and picked up alot of info.  The Uro actually saw the growth when dad got scoped a few months back. His health is pretty good. In his caase though, isn't there RT that focuses on a specific area instead of bombarding the whole pelvic region?

BillyBeans said...
Sure there is Vam. If it needs to be, RT today can be very specific in the area it hits and the depth as well. Much like the Cyber Knife spoken about on chat yesterday. You are right about chat........ you get a good feel for your fellow members. I wish your father well.
Bill

Thanks Billy..... I appreciate it.  I'm glad I was steered to this forum.... even though I've never met anyone or been here that long, I feel like you are all part of my family.