I have received several inquiries about the early results from my experimental treatments with the alternative Lu177 radioligand, J591, in Perth. See my previous posts about the treatments which took place on May 13th and 27th.
As previously reported, the only side effects noticed were moderate fatigue for about 7-10 days and quite inconvenient diarrhea for the same period caused by the gradual excretion of the Lu-J591 in the stool. That and jet-lag from flying back from Perth.
As suggested by Dr. Nat Lenzo, I had stayed on my high testosterone treatment cycle for an extra four weeks until 2 weeks after the 2nd dose. This was to stimulate more activity in the cancer cells to maximize effects of the radioligand. So I was on my High-T (modified BAT) cycle for 12 weeks total (T-Cyp 400mg every 2 weeks). But the last 2 weeks switched to testosterone gel, 100mg/day for faster clearance. And I started Orgovyx daily for a 4 week castrate-testosterone cycle. I note this worked well, as I started having hot flushes and went to zero libido about 4 days after stopping the T-gel.
I was on a wonderful 3 week motorcycle and RV camping adventure in British Columbia with my wife and dog until yesterday. So yesterday is when I got labs tested. I was also surprised that, when I rode my motorcycle through the border crossing from Canada a few days ago, that I still set off their radiation detector, just as I had at SFO airport on return from Perth. This is over a month after the last dose. So the Lu-J591 still seems to be present and working to some degree. Much more persistent than Pluvicto (Lu-PSMA-617).
My PSA yesterday was 0.057. Down from 0.149 pre-treatment. This reflects a month of ADT as well as the Lu treatments. So interpretation is still preliminary. But overall it is good, certainly. And I am not showing any adverse response to the high testosterone cycles so far. Total testosterone on Orgovyx was 17.8 with 0.1 free T.
Marrow toxicity is the main concern from Lu-J591 and some degree is expected. My response seems very mild. WBCs low at 3.2, with absolute lymphocytes pretty low at 0.6. But neutrophils OK at 2.1. Platelets low at 89 k. RBCs 3.87, HGB 13.7 and HCT 39. So my marrow toxicity seems mild to moderate and will not require transfusion. Will discuss Neulasta with MO.
My energy is great. I just rode 23 consecutive days on my motorcycle around Western Canada with daily short hikes. Though I definitely could feel strength drop off from the castrate T the last two weeks. I start back on high testosterone today to prepare for my backpacking Summer season. Will hit the John Muir Trail for a section hike in 2 weeks.
Thanks for everyone's interest and support. Truly appreciated! And If I should need to go back to Perth to repeat the 2 treatment cycles again, I will do so. (Stab it with their steely knives and try to kill the beast."). Happy Summer to all. -Paul