How to get the correct and best treatment

Hi Rob, I know EBRT, even after having it 30 years ago is deemed too risky, but I would have thought brachytherapy could be a possibility and worth a little homework, it is a type of radiation therapy which can be focused on a very small area and maybe far enough away from sensitive areas to be an option.

I'm sure cost does come into certain treatments, but I think there's been such a big leap in understanding and treatments for prostate cancer recently, it's impossible for every hospital to keep up, and just a few major centres are able to offer the most recent treatments, though you are allowed to change your hospital, and indeed your oncologist.

Eddie 

Hello Rob.

There are many treatments available now such as hormone therapy, targeted radiotherapy, radioligand, PARP inhibitors, immunotherapy but when they are used is determined by what stage of the cancer you are at and whether they have been approved by NICE. Your oncologist is the best person to have a discussion with as they should be able to go through the different options and how/when to access them. Things like Lutetium 177 are expensive in the UK at 100K plus but there are trials which evaluate whether they could be suitable at earlier stages of the disease. 

If you are in a position to, it might be an option to get a second opinion from an oncologist privately at a centre of excellence such as the Royal Marsden in order to put your mind at rest that you are getting the best treatment possible for your circumstances.

Hello Rob (Rob321) 

A couple of great posts above - I can't add much more apart from have you thought about researching Clinical trials. Here's a link for you to have a look at:

Cancer Research UK - Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials

There are 200+ running - I haven't gone through them all - but you might find something suitable.

Best wishes - Brian

Thank you for taking the time to respond

Thank you, i will look into your suggestions

Thanks for info, will do some research on your suggestions prior to talking with my consultant.

I asked for a second opinion, the oncologist went mad, shouting he wasn't going to finance it, would have to put it past senior management and finance.

Not a very good start.

I dropped that idea.

Hello Safeways 

Here's some interesting information for you:

Getting A Second Opinion

It does say most NHS staff will be happy to help!!

Best wishes - Brian.

I paid privately for a 2nd opinion.. 

I agree, if u want a second opinion then private is best and don't tell them at least initially.

A first meeting is usually only a couple of hundred pounds

Steve