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Post by reb451 on Jul 26, 2014 7:07:21 GMT -8
My name in Russ, my wife and I are retired and live in West Las Vegas, NV. I am retired and moved to Las Vegas 16 years ago from the east coast; allthough we have lived in many parts of the US, Las Vegas is our seventh home. Since being diagnosed on May 20th I have been attempting to determine the right treatment for my PC. I have see a Uroligist, a Surgeon and a RT, all of the same Urology Practice, all have recommended IMRT/IGRT. I have also seen Dr. Vogelzang, a well known Medical Oncologist who recommends no radiation but rather, active survellance together with a diet high in plant nutrition and taking Finasteride a hormone drug. I have been attempting to follow the "Plant" diet and increased my exercise (walking). However, I have not started the Finasteride Drug as I am trying to learn about short and long term side effects of taking the drug; I don't believe that Finasteride is FDA approved for PC. If anyone has knowledge of the effects of taking this hormone I would appreciate any information you may have. I look forward to participating in this forum and receiving any and all suggestions and information.
AGE: 74
PSA: 4.5
GS: 3+3=6
Staqe: T1c
Biopsy: 3 of 12 Cores Positive, 2 cores on right (20% & 70%), one core on left (30%) Plus, two Neoplasis on left side.
3T MRI: Negative
Bone Scan: Negative
Prolaris Test: AUA Low Risk Score of 49%, (49% of patients with AUA Low Risk Score have a lower score)
PS: I was very impressed with Dr. Lawanda"s Webinar and Thank You for Producing this informative video
Russ
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Post by Allen on Jul 26, 2014 10:09:38 GMT -8
Welcome, Russ. I think Dr. Vogelzang gave you some great advice. Finasteride, and the related drug Dutasteride (Avodart), are known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARis). 5-alpha reductase is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to the much more powerful androgen DiHydroTestosterone (DHT). DHT is the androgen primarily responsible for an enlarged prostate (BPH), which is why 5ARis are indicated for that condition. DHT promotes the growth of both healthy and cancerous prostate cells. It has become clear now that 5ARis can prevent low grade prostate cancer. The FDA had some concern that it might encourage high grade PC, but further research has shown that to not be the case. 5ARis have shown some very impressive results when used on an Active Surveillance program. One of its important effects is that it reduces the PSA due to BPH, thus making PSA a much better indicator of PC progression. Klotz found that it significantly increased PSA doubling time, and made it a better indicator of progression. Utility of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors in active surveillance for favourable risk prostate cancer
Even more intriguingly, it may shrink or reverse low grade prostate cancers. In a prospective study (unfortunately, not placebo-controlled), 82 very-low-risk men entering an AS program and who had BPH were given a 5ARi. When they were later re-biopsied, 54% had no cancer found. An additional 20% had not progressed. These levels were much better than what has typically been found in other AS studies where 5ARis were not used (remembering that a random biopsy may miss some cancer). Active surveillance of very-low-risk prostate cancer in the setting of active treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with 5α-reductase inhibitors.
Anecdotally, I have a friend in Seattle who took Avodart for his BPH after he was diagnosed with a small amount of GS6 prostate cancer. On follow-up saturation biopsy, a year later, no cancer was found. This, in spite of the fact that biopsy detection should be higher in a smaller prostate. Needless to stay, he is thrilled! About 20% of men taking a 5ARi will experience some sexual side effects. Both testosterone and estrogen increase while taking it, so the sexual effects seem to be counterbalanced in most men. It may also stop or reverse balding. |
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Post by KC on Jul 26, 2014 11:40:44 GMT -8
Hi Russ, and welcome to PCAF!
I agree that Dr Lawenda's presentation was excellent.
If you are looking for more material on similar topics, I recommend the book "Anticancer, A New Way of Life." I can testify that eating healthy does NOT mean eating boring foods...it probably means not eating ice cream every night after dinner, but it doesn't have to be boring.
Glad you dropped in to share your experiences!
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vfxer
Junior Member
Posts: 11 
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Post by vfxer on Jul 26, 2014 15:05:02 GMT -8
Welcome Russ to this group. We seem to be neighbors as I live Centennial Hills area of Las Vegas for over two years.
I was diagnosed with PC a little of a year ago, at the age of 62 and the doctor(s)has me on Active Surveillance. I had a Gleason score of 6 (3,3) and a PSA of 5.5, which went down to 3.5 and slow coming back up to 3.9.
Good luck on your treatment....
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Post by lupronjim on Aug 1, 2014 11:07:20 GMT -8
Welcome Russ.
You mentioned getting counsel from doctors in the same practice.
Not saying anything specific about those particular doctors, but I usually recommend a team of doctors, one or two urologists/surgeons, one radiation oncologist and one medical oncologist, not all from the same practice to avoid any potential conflicts of interest for example with internal bonuses for use of certain equipment.
In general the medical oncologist has no skin in the game so to speak with respect to surgery versus radiation and serves as the quarterback of the team with you reserving the right to overcall the MO's advice.
As many of the doctor team as logistically and economically possible should be from a nationally renowned prostate cancer center.
LupronJim
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