No evidence of LN Mets on latest CT s... - Advanced Prostate...

Advanced Prostate Cancer

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No evidence of LN Mets on latest CT scan. What now?

Squirrel71 profile image
13 Replies

Some of this info is in my first post, but I am repeating what i think is relevant.

In March 2020, Dx based on CT and bone scan and TRUS biopsy of GL 7 (4+3), T2N1M). The CT scan showed an enlarged right common iliac node (1 cm). Prostate was 5.5x5.3x5.8cm. In April 2020, PSMA PET scan showed PSMA avid right common iliac (SUV Max .4, PSMA score1) as well as LNs in the mesorectal space, left obturator fossa and a tiny right external iliac LN. Conclusion: High PSMA avid regional and extra regional lymph node metastasis (molecular imaging stage M1a. I have asked why this is classified as M1a and the RO says that the staging is irrelevant as I am being treated as metastatic and I cant get a clarification on the M1a classification without the oncologist supporting the request.

In July 2020, I was told that the mesorectal nodes were tiny and that ADT should take care of them (I have been on Lupron and Erleada since April 2020) and then the remaining nodes would be radiated. In November 2020, i was ready to embark on RT (EBRT to the pelvic LNs and prostate). After being told that everything had shrunk nicely and LNs were not visible on pre RT planning CT, the treatment options were downgraded - radiate the prostate only (6 x 6GY. Using MR-Linac) or a less than optimal dose to the prostate and pelvic bed (due to my anatomy and the absence of a fat pad to protect OARs). I opted for radiation of the prostate only and that was completed on December 31, 2020.

In March 2021, assuming I was M0, was curable but had no RT possible to LNs, I opted to participate in the SABR COMET 10 trial but was deemed ineligible because there was no evidence of metastatic LNs on the follow-up CT scan and they cant radiate what they cant see. The opinion on the follow-up CT Scan was: complete resolution of the pelvic lymphadenopathy. Currently no residual, measurable, LNs in the pelvis. No evidence of metastasis in the abdomen or pelvis.

I am wondering whether having the lymph nodes shrunk, there is no value in RT to the normal size LNs.

RO says “wait and see”. When PSA goes back to 0.2 or 0.3, repeat PSMA PET scan and determine next steps based on the results. It’s difficult to sit back and enjoy life while the possibility of a cure becomes less likely. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on alternate possibilities? I was looking into surgery but now I’m not sure whether it should be surgery on the prostate gland, LNs or both. Ive read a couple of publications that refer to patients on Erleada having RPs where necrotic tissue was found in place of the PG and LN dissection was bypassed as a result.

At minimum, I want to target the senescent cells. Any suggestions or information is very welcome. I am going to request testing for Chromogranin-A to monitor transformation of the cancer into NE variant. I am participating in a gene mapping study and hope that will inform decisions on future actions. I will share results and recommendations in hope that it may benefit someone, myself included.

Is there anything else that I could or should be doing?

Thank you all again for your valuable input.

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Squirrel71
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13 Replies
Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen

The staging guide classifies the common iliacs and the mesorectal LNs as M1a. I don't understand why you're not getting the entire area done with radiation. Just because you can't see metastases doesn't mean there are none there.

prostatecancer.news/2021/05...

Worrying about NEPC is not warranted.

Ahk1 profile image
Ahk1 in reply to Tall_Allen

Everytime I hear the word Chromogranin-A , I get very nervous and worry that I might have it since my Chromogranin is kind of high (103).

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen in reply to Ahk1

Chromogranin A by itself tells you nothing. I know some on this site "prescribe" the test - they are very ignorant, and you should ignore such advise.

TylexGP profile image
TylexGP in reply to Tall_Allen

I, agree with Tall_Allen. Also Chromagin A values can be artificially elevated if you use a proton pump inhibitor (e.g. omeprazole, Dexilant . . .)

Hey Squirrel ! No evidence , is good evidence . Stay strong ! 💪

SPEEDYX profile image
SPEEDYX in reply to

Hey Scotty..You watch Perry Mason too!!!

in reply to SPEEDYX

😂😂Sure! Who didn’t ? Yah I did as a kid. I even liked him later as Ironside.. hang in there baby ! Live in the moment . If the moment is bad . It too shall pass.. how about Dorris Day ? “ Que sera,sera! Liked that as a kid . It still applies today . Be well SPEEDYX.👍

SPEEDYX profile image
SPEEDYX in reply to

!!!!!Absolutely!!!!!😊

in reply to SPEEDYX

😎👍🌵

Exercising eating healthy and eliminating stress ..half of this hormonal lacking disease is emotional ..practice daily happiness and take time out each day not to think about the all consuming APC .. I’m watching Brother Dege “ too old to die young now” live, acoustic on YouTube ..APC kicked down my door at 53 ,2015 , I heard this song in 2016 and didn’t relate . Now I’m 60 with six years to the grindstone . I can relate . Stay young at heart amigo . The flesh is weak . 🧐

Did you mean to say .4 SUVmax or 4? .4 sounds very low for avidity. But I find PSMA results confusing

Tjc1 profile image
Tjc1

Dosent show up? Thats a good thing. Myself i would not do surgery. Less messin around with your body, less stress. Just my opinion. I have been off of lupron for well over a year. Just found out im still castrate, though my testosterone has increased to 44. PSA has increased but still under 1 which if i remember correctly that means still 0. My oncologist suggested i go back on lupron now but i cant see doing it at this time.

Spyder54 profile image
Spyder54

Chemo is one way of hitting what you cannot see (and also what you can). I was told, however, by Dr Carlos Alemany, Oncologist, that if your cells are in sennescence, the Docetaxel will not work. Doxy relies on rapidly dividing and multiplying cells to be effective. It sounds like your Lupron and Erleada are working, and until they stop working, you will have to wait. The Waiting Game is tough, yet not so bad, because it means you have may years, many options, plus new yet unreleased options in front of you my Brother!Best to you and yours,

Mike

St Pete

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