My Stepdad was diagnosed last August with stage 4 prostate cancer that metastasized to his bones. They started him on taxatere* and his platelets levels wouldn't remain high enough for him to continue receiving the treatment. He then started him on Lupron and Zyriga I believe in which he had an awesome response. His pain subsided and he was able to walk without a stick and continue his normal activities. His blood levels also stabalized and he ceased needing blood transfusions but continued to get immunoglobulin infusions. Unfortunately, a couple of months ago he stop responding to the treatments and he's lost use of his legs due to the tumors pressing on his spine so they gave him 10 doses of radiation that helped with the pain that has come back. He had an allergic reaction to the radiation and has been in and out of the ER (at least once per week now) due to high temperature, extremely low blood pressure, and low blood levels. They basically want him to go into hospice but he wants to continue to fight. I wonder if something like Provenge would be worth a shot. He wants to get a second opinion. Has anyone else been in the same situation. It's very sad. He's been told to get his affairs in order so we've we're signing power of attorney papers today. I appreciate any help. He is 63 years old with a birthday next month.
Oncologist told my Stepdad there is n... - Advanced Prostate...
Oncologist told my Stepdad there is nothing else he can do for him.
He might be able to try Xofigo, but his blood counts would have to be OK. Xofigo is Radium 223, a radioactive isotope of radium that emits short range alpha particles. It gets taken up by the bones and kills the cancer there. Some people have had really good success with it.
Here's the information about blood counts from the Xofigo website:
Hematological Evaluation: Monitor blood counts at baseline and prior to every dose of Xofigo. Prior to first administering Xofigo, the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) should be ≥1.5 × 109/L, the platelet count ≥100 × 109/L, and hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL. Prior to subsequent administrations, the ANC should be ≥1 × 109/L and the platelet count ≥50 × 109/L. Discontinue Xofigo if hematologic values do not recover within 6 to 8 weeks after the last administration despite receiving supportive care
Thanks so much Gregg. I'll find out what his platelet count is. I appreciate the option!
In what part of the world do you and your Stepdad live? We might be able to help in a search for another prostate cancer specialist doctor for a second opinion, about other approved treatment options that may be available, or, possibly, clinical trials for which he might qualify.
He lives in Virginia in that U.S. thank you so much!
Charles G. Drake, M.D., Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Co-Director Prostate Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Clinic
Associate Professor of Oncology
Appointments: 410-502-7524
One of the best in your area of the country
"NEW YORK (November 2, 2016) -- Dr. Charles G. Drake has joined NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) as director of genitourinary oncology and associate director for clinical research at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, effective October 1." However, the Johns Hopkins Prostate Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Clinic is still there:
urology.jhu.edu/prostate/pr...
Charles
I agree with Gregg, Xofigo may help with the bone metastases. He might also try Xtandi, but usually does not work after failure on Zytiga. He can try Provenge, but will not get any immediate evidence that it is working. 2nd opinion always worth it.
Got it! Yes he's touch and go right now so a second opinion is definitely the best option at this point. Thank you!
My husband Mike did provenge after zytiga - seems to be doing great - we will get results of the pet scan Thursday - we'll let you know - they have him on Xtandi right now for a back up to help shrink the tumors - we are in the villages fl ( a retirement community) Mike is 69 years old - was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012 - spread to his lymph nodes- the only thing that helped was radiation at the time
Thank you. He is still willing to fight so I agree hospice doesn't sound like a good idea. He does need 24 hour care right now though. Hopefully we can get things moving fast enough. Thanks again for the advice.
Hello Everyone,
I just wanted to let you all know that my stepfather passed 11:11 AM Sunday EST. He fought a good fight and didn't suffer long. Thanks for all of the kind recommendations. I really appreciated reading all of the the different posts. It helped me through out this process. I pray that you all press on and enjoy each and every day.
Lesley
Our condolences, Lesley. So sorry that your stepfather has died.
Charles.
So sorry. Prayers to him and your whole family. Please know that your family is part of this extended family here. It is a personal hurt for us here every time time another cancer warrior fights his last battle.
So sorry Lesley.Not Provenge. It is a four hour administration, three times, and the effect is vague and with no measured short term benefit.
O. Sorry you lost your stepfather.
Belated Sorry to hear! Glad he didn’t suffer long. What did they do to reduce his discomfort at the end?
Thanks for sharing!
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