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Posted 10/2/2013 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Men.

my doctor is concerned that my PSA is rising even though my testosterone is low ( about 5 to 10 )

he is having me go on Casodex to try that, I under stand it is a androgen blocker and is similar to Lupron

but does the job in a different way....

I would like to hear from those familiar with or have experience with Casodex

please give me you thoughts..... and experience...

thank you

jack

California

 

Posted 10/2/2013 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
Been on Casodex for a while... yes it's an androgen blocker. Not as potent as Lupron or the newer Xtandi or Zytiga. But it can add a little extra punch to keep the cancer at bay. From Wikipedia:

"Bicalutamide acts as a pure anti-androgen by binding to the androgen receptor (AR) and preventing the activation of the AR and subsequent upregulation of androgen responsive genes by androgenic hormones.[7][8] In addition, bicalutamide accelerates the degradation of the androgen receptor."

There are a few things to try, casodex, estrogen, DES, Keto, etc ... but if you really are getting hormone resistant then need to move up to the heavy destroyer class: Zytiga or Xtandi for now ... imho

Ray
Posted 10/2/2013 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
Lupron and it's clones lowers your testosterone to 'castrate levels'. (In most men) Casodex prevents what little testosterone that is left from binding to cells with receptors for testosterone, including prostate cells and most prostate cancer cells. The two drugs work in tandem to maximize the ADT effect on the cancer...
Posted 10/2/2013 10:47 AM (GMT 0)
SteelGuy- good info and like your psa results especially from where you started, that is thus far fabulous looking results, good to see amigo. I liked the heavier duty class being called 'destroyer' mode, good humor is therapeutic stuff.

If you wish to read about the King of casodex, try googling DR. Labrie (Canadian doc whom helped bring it to the USA along with PaactNewsletter and Dr. Strum, back in the day)
Posted 10/2/2013 11:21 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on Lupron 5 months, and Casodex 3 months, both in conjunction with my radiation primary therapy. Planning both for 2 years, though we'll be discussing in a month or so whether or not I still need the Casodex. It will be time for my 2nd six-month Lupron shot.

The Casodex so far hasn't seemed to add any symptoms for me, though they do watch liver enzymes with a blood test since it can stress the liver. It can also cause male breasts to enlarge, which also hasn't happened (yet).

My PSA at last check was undetectable, so my MO was inclined to stay the present course.
Posted 10/2/2013 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Casodex alone (without Lupron) for three months during salvage radiation. By around month three my nipples had become sore, but I had no other side effects. Because I discontinued use after my SRT was complete I have no experience with it's long-term effects.
Posted 10/2/2013 6:26 PM (GMT 0)

jaxum said...
Hello Men.my doctor is concerned that my PSA is rising even though my testosterone is low ( about 5 to 10 )
he is having me go on Casodex to try that, I under stand it is a androgen blocker and is similar to Lupron
but does the job in a different way....
I would like to hear from those familiar with or have experience with Casodex

please give me you thoughts..... and experience...

thank you

jack
California

In my case(and apparently many UROs and ONCOs vary in opinion) I was prescribed CASODEX for the first month only and according to my ONCO it was to lower my T levels in preparation for the blast of Lupron I was scheduled to get.
Posted 10/2/2013 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
If you Google "casodex monotherapy", you will find various articles about the use of casodex alone to control prostate cancer. I would say it is not the "standard of care" for most men who have a recurrence of cancer following primary treatments. However, the side effects tend to be less than a "total androgen blockade", so for some men who cannot tolerate, or do not want, the side effects of a total androgen blockade, casodex monotherapy might be offered as an option.

Here is one article that makes this point:

http://prostate-cancer.org/anti-androgen-monotherapy/

Casodex is used in other ways (besides monotherapy) too. For example, it is often given before an LHRH agonist (such as Lupron) to minimize a "flare" effect that sometimes happens when a patient begins Lupron, and it is often given together with an LHRH agonist because the two drugs suppress testosterone produced in different ways.

Best wishes, Medved
Posted 10/2/2013 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Casodex as a mono therapy is very successful for some patients. I was on it a a mono therapy for about 9 months. I would suggest taking Femera or similar med to reduce breast swelling and tenderness which is a common side effect. You will experience a complete loss of libido, but can still get an errection. Hot flashes will happen but not as often or as long as Lupron or some other HT drugs. The drug is very tolerable and should keep psa a a low level for a few years.
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