Effects of radiation on immune system

[EchoII]

Does anyone know if external beam radiation for PC has a long term effect on the immune system?

[timotur]

There was a thread on this a few days ago. There is an association between pelvic nodal radiation and lymphopenia, in my case, total lymphocytes dropped from 1125 before radiation, to 250 right after, and back up to 500 now six months later.

europepmc.org/article/PMC/6...

[Tall_Allen]

Yes, radiation improves the immune response to prostate cancer.

pcnrv.blogspot.com/2016/08/...

[pjoshea13]

I think that you will find the following talk by Dr. Myers of interest:

askdrmyers.wordpress.com/20...

The context is ologometastatic disease, but the message is clear - that radiation can cause a decline in "CD4+ T cells":

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CD4%2...

A count below 200 changes an HIV diagnosis to AIDS. Dr. Myers had a patient come back from readiation with a count of 54!

With a low count, it might be pointless to be on Provenge.

Seems worthwhile to monitor CD4+ T cells.

-Patrick

[Ran2599dy in reply to pjoshea13]

I was a patient of Dr. Myers in 2014 and he sent me to Sarasota for radiation. My CD4 cells are still very low. I am glad I had the radiation, just have to be careful. Most doctors will not check CD4 cells after radiation.

[mcp1941 in reply to Ran2599dy]

I was also a patient of Dr. Myers in 2013 and he sent me to Sarasota for 8 weeks of radiation. Total failure. PSA started climbing one month after finishing radiation and it played havoc with my immune system.

[noahware]

"The effects of these treatments in the immune system and the benefits of these effects are still under intensive research. Paradoxical effects of stimulation or immunosuppression are observed in different scenarios and may contribute to the success or lack of success of the different treatment approaches. [Ideal] drug–radiation combinations, timing, sequences, radiation doses and fractionation have yet to be defined."

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[RonnyBaby]

My immune system crashed somewhat during ADT and rad treatments. Anemia is not uncommon (depends on duration and recovery/ elapsed time). You might find that the white 'killer 'T' cells get diminished.

I had ongoing (3 month intervals) blood panels done to monitor my situation.

I was able to 'rebuild' my immune system with supplementation, diet etc .... in a matter of a few months.

There are 'deep immune tonics' out there. I also used medicinal mushrooms to assist in my recovery.

I continue to supplement to maintain my immunity (mushrooms and some herbals) which is at about 100% now.

I haven't been sick in over 18 months ....

[Hidden]

This is a question for your RO or MO. Everyone in this group have varying experience and a possible false cause and effect. Why? We all have different degrees of disease; and some with co-morbidity factors.

Me? 2003, Brachytherapy, 2004, distant Mets and Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy for six months- 18 sessions of chemotherapy . Hormone therapy until February 2010. The one thing driven in my mind by my MO, is that after chemotherapy, my immune system was comprised and always will be. I take extra precautions and desk with it. Every year flu and pneumonia vaccinations; including two shingle vaccinations.

Keep killing the bastard.

Gourd Dancer

[j-o-h-n]

Don't know and If I told you the truth, I'd be lying....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 03/30/2020 5:18 PM DST

[dadzone43]

ALL radiation has an effect on the immune system. Question is: how much?

[Hidden in reply to dadzone43]

Agreed

[Iyana271]

The side effects you may have with external beam radiation for prostate cancer depend on the dose and on the amount of healthy tissue that's exposed to the radiation.

Short term side effects of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer may include:

- Fatigue

- Skin reaction

- Loss of appetite

- Hair loss in your pubic area

- Nausea

- Diarrhea

- Problems during urinating

Long term side effects include:

- Urinary leakage

- Erectile dysfunction

- Bowel urgency

- Second cancer

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or proton beam, delivers the highest dose of radiation to the target while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This helps minimize the side effects of external beam radiation treatment.

It is always best to consult with your doctor if you've any doubts related to your treatment so that he can give you some suggestions to deal with the side effects during and after your treatment.

Best wishes!