Clinical Trial Request For Dad

Hello

gleason seven with no break outs is very curable, these new trials are coming out all the time, I had radiation prostitis with radiotherapy but it took four years to show, I always wonder why they do not use the new proton beam, it’s accurate and barely touches anything but the prostate.

I had my radiotherapy when I was sixty five, but with a Gleason score of 9/10 I took everything they could throw at me, still here with seventy looming in a few months, did he have chemo ? Not that he would need it, has anyone gone with your dad to listen to what treatment they have ?

Stay safe

Joe

Hi Joe, thanks for the reply.

He doesn't need chemo at the moment which is good. He has had a lot of contact with the consultant via telephone because of covid restrictions and has taken notes but I do wish I was there to ask questions. When its about yourself I think its hard to do that. He has a long term partner who will support him as well. The radiation complications do worry me with this trial given the potentially larger exposure area. I hope you're doing ok. That is good news your big birthday is looming! Thanks again

Hi RP 

I'm normally for clinical trials but a bit wary of this one.

Firstly I think that CTrials are good for  incurable PC  but it sounds like he is low risk with 7 Gleeson, I assume PSA low as well. Also contained within the gland 

The main thing that I would worry about is potentially extra side effects from this trial.

The latest Radiotherapy works really well with minimal side effects and should cure his PC 

Just my opinion, see what others say.

Steve

The major problems of radiotherapy are bladder and bowel issues in the long term, and I'd personally be wary of a treatment that increased that risk. But maybe I'm biased: I had radiotherapy for a T3a almost seven years ago, and so far (touch wood!) I've had no bladder or bowel issues, and no signs of the cancer coming back.

With what I know now, I'd be asking:

1. what is the % risk of recurrence after radiotherapy for your dad's PCa (Stage T2? T3a?)

2. have they considered spaceOAR (discussed elsewhere!)?

Thanks Steve, I think his last psa was about 17 but you've got a good point with the Gleason score and the containment within the gland. I dont want to expose him to more radiation that is absolutely necessary.

Thanks Heinous, I dont know the stage actually. He's just contracted covid today so another thing to deal with! I'll have a research of the space OAR and clue myself up on it. He would hate to have long term bladder/bowl issues. I know nobody enjoys these things though!