24 Months of Eligard Comes to an End

[TottenhamMan]

I’ve been having Eligard injections every six months for the last two years. In October my Oncologist wants to stop the treatment. My last two blood tests over a 12 month period showed my PSA at <0.1 and my Testosterone at 0.4. My blood test last week again showed a PSA reading of <0.1 and Testosterone level of <0.2.

The Oncologist said that she’s wants to stop hormone treatment to see if the cancer will “declare itself”. I’m a bit nervous about stopping treatment but the Oncologist is very insistent. My cancer was diagnosed as a stage 4 aggressive ductal variant. Hence my concern. I have to say that I like and trust my Oncologist. She has been great to deal with.

Does anyone have any comments or advice?

[Tall_Allen]

SOC for adjuvant hormone therapy for N1 is 2 years.

[treedown]

I know how you feel and it doesn't get much easier. I am going on almost 1 year since my 3 month Lupron short ended. I stopped Zytiga in Oct 2021 and testosterone returned by Dec 2021. My next test is this week. I was also N1 with lower Gleason and higher PSA. I understand your MOs reasoning as well. Good luck and I hope whatever you decide gives you the best results.

[Scout4answers]

Following your progress with interest.

I sent my MO an article about the negative effects of ADT on men's bodies, mostly cardio. and to my surprise at our meeting last week he said it would be OK for me to stop Lupron and Zytiga immediately, ( after 12 months). I decided to take the shot that day which will take me out to 15 months and then a few more for T to return. My thinking is that so far I have handled the side effect well so I will stay on ADT for as long as I can tolerate it and try to get the max benefit of it. I think of it as a balancing act between benefit ( cancer) and unknown future harm.(cardio and others)

[ishitasen]

Yes, your doctor is right in stopping the Inj. Eligard. A regular follow-up with PSA levels will be a better idea and if at any point in time there is a significant rise in PSA levels, you can try multiple options available for the treatment of prostate cancer.

[EB6653497]

I was able to have intermittent Lupron - 2016 - 2019 - worked well. Now on Telstar every 12 weeks plus chemo. No breaks now. But I would take her advice and enjoy the break. I was explained that Telstar does the same as Eligard and or Lupron with half the meds and half of the negative effects. I could not tolerate Eligard. And Lupron wasn’t available for awhile