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PSA during hormone treatment

SarahJ24
  • 1 reply
  • 35 subscribers
  • 141 views

Hi, 

My father had a prostatectomy in 2017 but his prostate cancer has since come back. He started treatment in August last year and is currently being treated with a hormone injection every 3 months and daily enzalutamide tablets. The treatment initially worked perfectly and dad's PSA score dropped to undetectable, however since March it's stared to creep back up. 0.3 in March but 0.7 in May. I understand that it's still very low, but I'm really worried this is the start of this treatment already starting to fail, is this PSA pattern common for this treatment type?

  • Dear  

    Thank you for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support and the Online Community. My name is Gillian and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    It is understandable you are worried about your dad; I am sorry to hear his of his  recurrent prostate cancer following his prostatectomy. I am pleased  he is tolerating his hormone treatments. I understand the raise in his Prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels may be causing you some concern, there are several factors that can affect a PSA level, not just cancer growth or failure of treatment. These include vigorous exercise (especially cycling), a urine infection, ejaculation, or prostate stimulation within a week before a PSA test, having a digital rectal examination, biopsy, and certain medicines that can affect it too.

    You may find it helpful to speak to your dads Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or consultant to discuss your concerns. If your dad’s team are concerned by the increase of the PSA level or if your dad has new symptoms, they may recommend that he has some further tests and investigations.

     There is further information and support available through our online community especially our family and friend’s group. Your dad may find our Prostate cancer forum helpful, too.

    I hope this information is helpful. You can always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns or require any further support.

    Best wishes 

    Gillian, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref VG/GG

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