? for those with bone mets

Were you prescribed Zometa when you were diagnosed with bone mets? Or were you prescribed Zometa later when the bone mets increased or were not prescribed Zometa, period?

Seems like docs have different opinions on this. If you were prescribed Zometa, how were the side effects?

Thanks very much.

It was recommended to me but I chose to wait. I have read on their website to use after one HT failure, but others have not gone that route. That was a year ago and it might be time for Zometa. I have exercised regularly to help maintain bone strength and utilize a very good diet.
Michael

I started Zometa right after being diagnosed and about the same time as starting Casodex and Firmagon. I was receiving monthly infusions for a while, then skipped some months during chemo therapy. Haven't received it for several months now, it's on my list of questions for next appointment to see if it makes sense to continue.
Anyway, I felt bone pain in my entire body from the infusions and always wanted to clench my jaws. It could be argued that other side effects were from the Zometa as well but more likely from the hormone therapy.
Good luck,

You want to avoid anything that might interfere with the radiation, and if the following animal study is correct, it's best to wait. It might not interfere, but why take the risk if you can just wait a few days?

Effects of bisphosphonates in combination with ionizing radiation and antioxidants on the growth of prostate and melanoma cells lines.

Docetaxel and ADT seem to work synergistically with radiation, increasing its cancer cell killing effects:

Multimodal treatment for high-risk prostate cancer with high-dose intensity-modulated radiation therapy preceded or not by radical prostatectomy, concurrent intensified-dose docetaxel and long-term androgen deprivation therapy: results of a prospective phase II trial

Simultaneous use of immunotherapy may be beneficial as well.

There is a big difference between foods and supplements. Our bodies evolved to draw what it needs from our food and excrete the rest. When we take supplements, we are forcing into our bodies large amounts of single molecules that are never found in nature. It's amusing to me that that would be called "naturopathic."

I know of no reputable studies (i.e., published in NIH-recognized, peer-reviewed journals) that say that anti-oxidants are a good idea with radiation. Has your naturopathic oncologist shown you any?Since you know about reactive oxygen species (ROS), and you know that they are required to kill cancer cells, does it make sense to you that one would take anything during radiation to quench their production - either anti-oxidants or free radical absorbers? I think you should at least inform his RO - withholding info from doctors is never a good idea.

Actually, I think the best thing he can do to optimize the radiation therapy is exercise. It increases oxygenation, which not only helps with the ROS, but also protects healthy tissue. Tumors can sometimes encase themselves in a low oxygen environment (called hypoxia) that is relatively impervious to destruction by radiation. Exercise may help, and couldn't hurt.

I am all for adding anything - diet, supplements, etc. - that one wants to try, as long as there aren't harms attached to them. It gives one a sense of control that is taken away from us with such a harsh disease.

- Allen

Madelinesmith ...

FWIW ...

I was prescribed Zometa when I was put on ADT.

I was prescribed Xgeva as soon as they found the bone mets ... side effects for both were less than the ADT and other things i was on.

Ray

PS and I unfortunately couldn't give up the extra antioxidants that i prescribe myself that come in Scotch and Red Wine ...

Thanks to all for the responses.

I'm just confused because family member has large bone met and doc says they don't feel like Zometa (or anything similar) would be worth taking because of the possible side effects. I'm wondering if this is why a skeletal event occurred so early. Radiation zaps to the met are the next step (and a biopsy) but not bisphosphonates.

I guess every doc seems to have a different opinion.

I was diagnosed with osteopenia (early osteoporosis) as we were trying to make decisions on starting Lupron.

I was prescribed (and have) the 6-month Prolia shots since then. My uro and med oncologist prefer that to the Xgeva at this time.