PSA measures and Chemo

[Shepard]

PSA went from 24 to 109 in five months. I have begun Docetaxel infusion completing the first cycle. Are PSA measures meaningful during chemo? My Doctor runs PSA, but places more emphasis on bone scans. I am continuing with Xtandi and Lupron during the chemo.

[Tall_Allen]

PSA is just one biomarker. It may increase as you begin chemo and cancer cells die. If there are bone metastases bone alkaline phosphatase is another biomarker you can track. Radiographic progression (bone scans/CT) is the bottom line.

[Doseydoe in reply to Tall_Allen]

Hi Tim, I was wondering if you can see any signs of those dead cancer cells exiting the body?

[Tall_Allen in reply to Doseydoe]

PSA increases

[DarkEnergy]

I like to add, that, I've had many bone scans in the last year, it's the comparison from your first (base) bone scan that becomes a better indicator of progression.

[Shooter1]

Blood tests during chemo didn't include PSA for first 6 weeks. Then showed steady 25% drop for next 6 weeks and started to climb. Added Xtandi and PSA went back to drop of 25% each cycle until stopping due to class 3&4 side effects. Stable PSA (0.12/0.13) since. Had to cut and recut Xtandi until livable dose of 80 mg was reached. It sucks when your meds make you a complete invalid. Last scans finally clear at three year mark.

[Luv2fish]

Hubby had full blood work up 2 days before chemo. And bone and ct scans after 3 infusions. He’s had a total of 21 infusions over the last 3 years. Pain level is also an important indicator.

[Shepard]

Thanks for the responses. You guys confirmed my thoughts on PSA. However, the Doctors sure do like to order PSA lab. Perhaps they are interested in the changes (deltas) more than the absolute values. I will begin cycle #2 chemo next week. I am working on my menus and am eating better - no greasy cheese burgers. Still low volume consumption at about 60% of normal. Hope to level out weight soon - may increase Ensure. I continue to work and exercise with care. Bless all on this journey.

[tallguy2]

I had PSA the day of each cycle as well as mid-cycle (along with all the other blood work, such as white and red blood cell counts, etc.). My MO viewed the fact that the PSA deceased during the 6-cycles as a good thing so no scans were ordered until two months after the last cycle.