Update on Chemotherapy

[Philly13]

I have been taking a break from the board for a few reasons. I have been busy with work, run out of gas earlier, and there hasn’t been much to report.

I started Cabazitaxel treatment on September 23 and get an infusion every three weeks. January 6 was the 6th treatment.

Important news to share with the board is that I have tolerated the treatments well, and the side effects have been minimal. Taste buds have changed, but my appetite is good, and I gravitate towards spicy foods and sweats. Ice cream always goes down easy. I remain fit, but it takes more effort to get on the elliptical machine.

Since starting cabazitaxel treatment, my labs have shown no improvement, and scans have shown tumor growth since July.

PSA has been bouncing between 115 and 140, and ALP is also bouncing between 238 and 335.

My thoughts are that the data is not great, but it could be worse.

I plan to discuss alternative treatments, including clinical trials and to possibly update genetic testing. I plan to continue the chemotherapy until I decide whether to go in another direction. Evaluating the next step slightly too early is better than waiting to react to a complete breakdown of Cabazitaxel as an effective tool.

I will reach out for at least one 2nd opinion, perhaps more. If I apply for another clinical trial, it will take time to qualify. They will want to let the chemotherapy wash out of my system. I don’t completely understand why since combination treatments often work. I am apprehensive about a treatment vacation because I feel like no treatment will allow cancer to gain momentum.

GO EAGLES!

Philly13

[Tall_Allen]

Perhaps discuss adding carboplatin to the Jevtana for the remaining infusions.

[Philly13 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks. I will bring that up.

[Philly13 in reply to Philly13]

I had the EP300 mutation when the Foundation One genetic test was done from my prostate tissue. There is a clinical trial called Cell Centric specifically targeting that mutation for prostate cancer. That is being done at Jefferson in Philadelphia. I am sure that will come up in the discussion.

I wish I knew how to get insight into the probability of a particular trial's effectiveness.

[HopingForTheBest1 in reply to Philly13]

Unfortunately, no one knows how effective trials will truly be. They are required to provide a disclosure document detailing possible side effects, but not results.

The trial at Jefferson sounds promising as it is targeting your specific mutation, providing you with a potentially viable option.

Hoping for the best.

[HopingForTheBest1]

I was hoping you had better news. Sorry to hear it.

[Philly13 in reply to HopingForTheBest1]

Me too. The good news is I continue to feel pretty good and work out on the elliptical machine a few times a wee