My PC summary: Metastatic prostate cancer diagnosed in Nov. 2018. Low PSA (4.68), but high Gleason scores (9's and 10's). Currently on Eligard and soon to start Docetaxel. May add Abiraterone along with the Doce.
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Article link:
today.duke.edu/2018/05/smel...
Article synopsis:
Duke researchers have shown in new research that one olfactory receptor plays a critical role in the progression of prostate cancer. They found that activating an olfactory receptor called OR51E2 in prostate cancer cells caused the cancer to morph into the more aggressive, ‘castration-resistant’ form of the disease.
The finding suggests that taking the opposite approach -- blocking the receptor with specific molecules, or perhaps even with specific scents -- could provide a new way to treat prostate cancer.
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What led me to research this topic and find this article?
Over the past two weeks, I have noticed a marked change in my sense of smell. It has become more acute and seems to "overstate" the smell. I've noticed it mostly with food.
Additionally:
I found this study particularly interesting, because along with my change in smell I am reasonably confident that my PC is also progressing. This would cross-foot with the suggestions made in the article. A final determination has not been made yet (new PET scan scheduled), but it appears that I may have become castrate resistant, even though it has only been two months since the start of Eligard. I have several reasons for thinking my PC has progressed, including results from a CT scan from a recent ER visit, which showed some bad stuff on my liver compared to the scans taken in November. RO confirmed this week that it is possible that the PC has spread to my liver. My liver enzymes were also double the top of range. Also, I've been feeling horrible, which is new, and my PSA "probably" just increased from .53 to 1.2, although I can't be certain that the increase wasn't due to the lab used.