PSA went from 0.05 to 0.07

[chocolatelover_123]

My dad’s PSA has been rising as he is on Zytiga, the doctor is switching him from prednisone to dexamethasone to see if the PSA stabilizes. Anybody had success with this switch? Is this a good route to go? I should add that the doctor switched him from getting tests every month to every two months, so he did not have a PSA check last month.

[Hidden]

I sure wouldn't switch yet! A rise of 0.02 is meaningless. Lab error, etc, etc. I'm surprised the doctor would even consider doing such. Maybe a back story exists that lead to the possible switch. I'm certainly not a doctor but I would refuse to switch without a very good reason.

[chocolatelover_123 in reply to Hidden]

His PSA has been increasing by 0.01 every month though, perhaps that’s why they wanted to change it, but other than that I don’t have any idea.

[Hidden in reply to chocolatelover_123]

A PSA increase of 0.01 monthly is no reason what so ever to switch. If and when your fathers PSA reaches 0.850 or so, then it's time to switch. Don't burn through drugs before the need arises. Switching does work, clinically proven, etc. However now is not the time. You might be putting a slight amount unnecessary anxiety on second decimal. I 'm never concerned about my PSA bouncing from 0.1 to 0.2, back to 0.1. I know that the Zytiga is working and I'm no where near getting to the point of switching from prednisone to dexamethasone.

[tango65]

Changing to dexamethasone works in many patients. This is one of the studies:

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/300...

[Curehunter in reply to tango65]

Anyone know how long you need to wait to see whether the AA+p to AA+d switch was effective.

[GP24]

If you use Dexamethasone instead of Prednisone right from the beginning, it will make no difference. However, it works when Zytiga and Prednisone no longer work. So do not switch too early, this will make Zytiga work for the longest period overall.

[mcp1941]

What dose of dexamethasone? My MO has me on 0.75mg twice a day.

[j-o-h-n]

0.05 to 0.07.... Many men would give their I teeth for that psa....Give your Dad ny kindest regards....(you too)....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 09/09/2020 4:55 PM DST

[Shooter1]

No changes for me. PSA 0.00 two weeks ago. 0.08 a month earlier, 0.07 month before that, 0.12 3 months earlier, 0.08 before that and 0.00 before that one. Small changes are nothing to worry about . Ease your mind and relax till at least 0.50.