Provenge Poster Child

[Scoop65]

2008 Gleason 4+3, 2008 RP, 2009 Radiation treatments, castrate resistant, ADT and Casodex, PSA 20 with metastasized lymph nodes, 2012 Provenge, present PSA 0.2 with metastasized lymph nodes, still doing Hormone Therapy

[Scoop65]

I should note I was 61 when 1st diagnosed

[Darryl Partner]

Do you feel that Provenge worked for you?

[Scoop65 in reply to Darryl]

Yes, it definitely worked for me. Prior to the treatment, Doc said I had 3 years left. The company has since gone bankrupt and purchased by someone else.

[Arcticfox44]

Hello - Could you elaborate on your experience with Provenge? Where did you receive it? Was it covered by insurance? Was your PSA 20 when you started Provenge, and did it ever fall below the present level of 0.2? Have you had PET scans showing where the cancer is? Abdominal lymph nodes only?

[Scoop65]

Yes. PSA was 20 when I started. It was doubling every 3 months. The treatment was in Iowa City, IA. PSA was 0.12 and just went up slightly. Lymph nodes located in pre-sacral.

Medicare covered treatment @$90,000. I've not had a PET scan.

[JoelT]

Most insurance companies do cover Provenge, including Medicare in most areas. If they refuse to cover it you should speak with the Dendreon people who will reach out to the insurance company and attempt to negotiate payment. You can also reach out to them to find the locations near you where you can arrange to receive it. Their phone numbers are:

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Yes, the original company went into bankruptcy, but they were bought out and still function under the name of Dendreon.

Joel

[chascri]

Sounds like good results with Provenge. What was your PSA before you had your Provenge infusions in 2012. Any other metastasis besides lymph nodes before you started Provenge? Any other since?

[Scoop65]

PSA 20 prior to Provenge. No mets other than nodes. I've been on hormone therapy since 2008. I know it's helping but side effects are wearing me down