Zytiga -- Two Very Interesting Developments

I'm posting this here as a new thread rather than in the "Zytiga Our Collective Experience" thread, where I'm afraid it might go not noticed by those of us who are not discussing our personal experience with side-effects, etc.

I went on Abiraterone Acetate (AA) brand name Zytiga + Prednisone along with quarterly Lupron shots -- 18 months ago after my PSA began rising after several years of intermittent treatment with Firmagon and then Lupron. Results have been excellent. PSA and T have remained undetectable throughout and other labs - CBC, liver and kidney function etc. - have remained in normal range.

My quarterly visits at Dana-Farber have consisted of blood work, a visit with either my MO or his PA, and then a 3-month Lupron shot.

Today my MO said he was suspending the Lupron shot because studies now show that the AA alone is fully capable of controlling T and PSA without the need for Lupron or similar. This is, of course, long suspected, but not backed by trials. MO says this is now supported by trials. I don't know if this is the only one but here is a link to one I found with Doctor Google: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/jco.2019.37.15_suppl.5049

I'm not recommending anyone attempt this without their MO's agreement. My MO noted my long history of good response to treatment over the years.

And there is also a second development worth knowing for those of us on AA (Zytiga). EDIT - also enzalutamide and apalutamide.

D-F is running a clinical trial of suspending all chemical treatment -- both Zytiga and Lupron - for patients who have remained undetectable for two years - and then monitoring those patients with lab work and medical visits - in other words active surveillance. MO said this is unproven - hence the need for the clinical trial. No guarantee that when time comes to return to ADT and Zytiga it . will work. But no reason to think it wouldn't.

That's what I know so far. But barring negative labs or negative news, I'm on board for going on treatment hiatus come New Years.

This is a shining hallmark of this website ~ sharing new information and treatment experiences.

It underscores the important fact that treatments ARE evolving, new discoveries are being made, and clinical trials are ongoing.

Appreciative of your post, Bohemond!

I also value the fact that you reminded all of us that potential treatment changes should always be made in consultation with our doctors.

Informative post for our readers here!

With my best ~
CYCLONE - # Iowa State University

Very interesting, Bohemond. Will look forward to your updates.
Michael

Bohemond my brother,
Congrats on that vacation and the possiblity of being in that trial. Good news.
Simalarly for me,my Oncologi stalso stated what yours said about the Lupron and Zytiga combo. He told me about 4 years ag,a fter being on both for 3 years plus, that I no longer had to be on Lupron , as the Zytiga(A.A) was doing the same job at keeping my PSA undetectable (happy face) and T at near zero.(sad face) . Currently on a half dose of A.A to see what effect that will do on the ol PSA.
Thans for sharing , wishing for good results from here on, and keep the faith brother.

Wings aka Dan in So Cal

Thank you SIR!!
I'm 15 months on Xtandi, the last 9 undetectable. SO, another 15 and maybe my Onco will suggest this trial.