Opinions / Options

[taylor123]

Hi everybody,

Looking for some advice if possible please.

My Father restarted his third round of hormone blockade ON 22.11.18 (Firmagon and Zytiga) He used Casodex on his first round with Firmagon. Second round was Firmagon and Zytiga only.

His starting PSA when diagnosed was 433 in February 2014.

Scans have always revealed no organs or bone involved, although we haven't had a scan for a while.

For this third round, his oncologist (Dr Tucker) Said to take 4 Zytiga tablets daily on first week, then 3 Zytiga tablets daily on second week, then 2 Zytiga tablets on 3rd week, and then on the 4th week 1 tablet daily and to continue that)

Results since third round started are;

28.01.19: PSA 30

20.12.18: PSA 33

22.11.18: PSA: 66

The drop from 33 to 30 is very disappointing.

Do you guys suggest we up the Zytiga again? and or look at using a different drug now?

He has never had radiation or chemo.

I have emailed Dr Tucker and made contact to see Professor De Bono at the Royal Marsden.

However, would love some advice from you guys regarding options.

Please no doom and gloom input, it is not helpful.

Thank you

[Tall_Allen]

Are you taking the lower dose Zytiga with meals?

[taylor123 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Hi Allen,

Yes, with a full fat yoghurt for breakfast.

[Tall_Allen in reply to taylor123]

OK - that explains it. The fat allows for better absorption. His recommendation was based on a small study and absorption may vary with the individual. Discuss trying the full 4 pills (without food) and see what happens.

[ctarleton]

De Bono at the Royal Marsden is one of the world's top researchers for treatment options for advanced prostate cancer. If I were consulting with him, I'd tell him that I want to know ALL the treatment & other options for the near and long term management of my disease. He has lots of experience, and lots of "connections" in the health system.

icr.ac.uk/our-research/rese...

Having somebody along to listen and take notes is always a good idea, too.

Good Luck,

Charles