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What's the PC treatment term: triple play?

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Posted 4/13/2016 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
I've seen this term--the "triple play"--show up only very recently in some HW/PC posts...but I don't find it used in the medical literature. And it seems like it means a couple different things from different HW/PC threads.

I'm not sure what the "triple play" is. Can anyone define what it is, and describe which scenarios in the spectrum of PC disease is it applicable? Anyone seen this term in the literature?

I'd appreciate it, and others in the future reading this thread may too. Always learning.

thanks in advance





Just for clarity, I know it is not these two more well-known terms referring to 3's:

    "triple blockade" — a.k.a. ADT3 (the combination of an LHRH agonist, an antiandrogen, and a 5α-reductase inhibitor); powerful mix of three HT drugs, used intermittently and early in advanced, pre-metastatic PC when the patient is strongest; recently fallen out of favor

    "trifecta" — post-treatment goals of 1) cancer cure, 2) erectile function and 3) continence
Posted 4/13/2016 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
At least as sometimes used here, it refers to combo therapy of brachy/IMRT/HT. I'm not sure where I first heard the term "triple play," but it rang through some conversations enough that I put the phrase in my HW signature. I can't say any of my doctors have ever used it and I do suppose that the way some of us (meaning me) throw it around that it could be confusing.

I believe the actual medical term is "IMRT with brachy boost" (served with a dollop of ADT on the side.)
Posted 4/13/2016 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
That's my understanding as well: brachy + IMRT + Lupron, used in high risk cases with or without EPE or mets.
Posted 4/13/2016 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
My surgeon's PA used the term trifecta. No incontenence, no ED, no PSA.
Posted 4/14/2016 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
The "Triple Play" Philosophy

In keeping with his "triple play philosophy," Dr. Samadi believes that
with the experience of open prostate surgery and laparoscopic
prostatectomy, robotic surgery can offer his patients the best cure (with
post-operative long-term PSA levels undetectable), retention of sexual
function, and continence (see charts). "All three factors are equally
important to my patients, and my experience with robotic surgery has
consistently provided these to them," continued Samadi.

That's not what I have been using as a reference to the term though. For me, "Triple play" has meant a 3-phase treatment incorporating (1) ADT (2) An operative procedure such as RP or Brachy and (3) EBRT of some form.
Like a 1-2-3 punch kinda thing.

Very possibly, it is a new term evolving to a cultural understanding more than a true clinical approach to concurring the disease.
Posted 4/14/2016 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds to me like we need a better term than triple play. How about hat trick?
Posted 4/14/2016 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Michael, I dunno, I've always liked "throw the kitchen sink at it".
Posted 4/14/2016 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Or we can call it three's the charm?
Posted 4/14/2016 11:45 AM (GMT 0)
Having had surgery, radiation and a course of ADT, I have been telling people that I have had the Trifecta or The Full Monty.

Perhaps I should reserve the latter just in case I end up needing Chemo.

Post Edited (White Bird) : 4/14/2016 1:56:00 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/14/2016 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Halbert...I do think your term is pretty accurate. In my initial discussions with Dr Lam he talked about the incremental approach--adding treatments as needed or "throwing the kitchen sink at it." He said since we're going for a cure, let's throw the kitchen sink at it, rather than keep some treatments in reserve.

Knocking on wood, but so far, so good!
Posted 4/14/2016 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
BT + IGRT + HT = full monty cool

ed
Posted 4/14/2016 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
As somebody else pointed out "triple play" and "trifecta" when it comes to PC mean very different things:

Triple play is a treatment for high risk cancer, akin to pulling out all the stops and hitting it hard and fast and all at once.

Trifecta is a treatment outcome: cancer free, continent, and no ED.

Look at it from the sports analogies: A triple play in baseball is a special and unusual play that deals with a major threat all at once. A trifecta happens at the horse track when you bet on win, place, and show in the same race, and get it all correct and win a big prize.
Posted 4/14/2016 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting discussion... So I can say I got "The Kitchen Sink Treatment" or "The Full Monty". I like them both. In the end, I'd love to have the Trifecta! -JR
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