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Rising PSA

Rosie OL
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My husband had prostate cancer and his prostate was removed about 2.5 years ago leaving him cancer-free with no further treatment required except 3-monthly blood tests.  Until 6 months ago, the results were as expected e.g. 0.1 but more recently the level has climbed.  On reaching 0.2 the consultant ordered a PET scan and we braced ourselves for the cancer to have returned.  We were so relieved when the result came back as no cancer detectable.  My husband has been put on hormone therapy and has been referred to an oncologist.  Is this usual practice?  Why the hormone therapy and referral to an oncologist if there is no sign of cancer?  Is it just precautionary?

These are questions that have popped up for us after being given the PET results - I think we were so relieved we didn't think about anything else.  Any information you can give would be really helpful.

Thank you.

Rosie

  • Dear  

    Thanks for getting in touch through our Ask A Nurse service. I’m Linda, one of the nurses from our support line.

    It can a be a worrying time when PSA levels begin to rise after surgery, and it’s good to read that this is being looked in to.

    As we have no access to clinical records it would be difficult for us to say for sure why these decisions have been made about his care.

    Some men do go onto develop a non-metastatic biochemical recurrence. This is when the PSA level doubles though no cancer can be seen on scans. Despite this there could still be cancer cells present but not big enough to be detected.

    This can be managed with hormone therapy, and it would be common for an oncology review to be requested for further guidance in line with the NICE Guidelines (page 31).

    Again, we can’t say this is definitely the case for your husband and we would encourage a further conversation with his current hospital team for more information.  

    I hope you find this information helpful,Rosie.  However, we often find that we can help more by exploring your concerns over the phone.  You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts.  Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm), or you can send us an email, too.

    Take care and best wishes

    Linda, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref:LM/KA

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