Doubling Time

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Hello. My father is over 4 years post diagnosis. At end of June we were advised enzalutmide is no longer working and to stop it. Continuing prostap injection and given dexamrthasone. psa was 11.8 then and today it is 33. He is not a candidate for chemotherapy due to colitis infection risk and a leaking heart valve. He is doing so well active, living life and very much loved. He is 77. I just wondered if there is anything else we could do or ask about? Radiotherapy is not deemed to be beneficial for him and would risk his colitis for limited benefit in his back. He is fine on his pain relief. Not had to be increased in over 1 year.

Thank you for reading and I wish everyone well in the midst of the challenges this wretched illness brings  

  • Hi Susan, I'm so sorry to hear about your wonderful dad, I'm in a similar situation to him, with heart issues too, options, make sure dad has the BRCA blood test a small but sizeable number of PCa guys do so if positive immunotherapy is an option, the Royal Marsden and CRUK maybe offering trials, it was until recently Colitis meant no HT or chemo, but recent advancements give those with well controlled Colitis a possible option.

    Best wishes Eddie 

  • Thank you Eddie. That is very helpful. Sending you a virtual hug !

  • Your welcome Susan, I only wish I  had more to offer, there's always the option of a second opinion from another oncologist, NHS  or private where you can arrange an appointment with some very highly respected oncologist.HuggingHuggingHugging back at you sweetheart.

    Eddie 

  • Hi SusanR,

    it may be worth enquiring about Lutetium 177 therapy.

    It sounds very promising to me but its not available everywhere and is strictly rationed due to costs around £100,000.

    I don't know if would be suitable for you Dad but it does no harm to ask if it is a possibility.

    It is an injectable radioactive agent that sticks selectively to PSMA antigen on the surface of prostate cancer cells and is therefore highly targeted unlike most other treatments and potentially fewer side effects too.

    It is given as far as I can see with up to six injections six weeks apart and there are regular PET scans and psa tests to see how effective it is so they can see whether it is worth continuing.

    Good luck going forward.

    Albert