Radiation treatment for gynecomastia? Anyone?

[Explorer08]

As we all know, ADT treatments can cause a side effect known as gynecomastia. I am experiencing gynecomastia after being on Orgovyx and am considering the radiation treatment for it. Has anyone out there done the radiation treatment for gynecomastia? How did it work out for you? Did you experience much in the way of side effects of the radiation targeted to gynecomastia? (I know that tamoxifen is also used to combat gynecomastia but I am worried about side effects of that oral medication - - on top of side effects I already get from ADT medication.). Thanks much for any input.

[Velohomme]

I had radiation treatment for gynecomastia. 2 visits, no side effects, worked great.

[Tommyj2 in reply to Velohomme]

Any recollections re the cost?

[Velohomme in reply to Tommyj2]

No, sorry. It was 100% covered by insurance.

[JWS13 in reply to Velohomme]

did you have it AFTER Orgovyx treatment finished? what kind of radiation ? where? thought only Lipo or Surgery works after? Thanks

[Velohomme in reply to JWS13]

I was, and continue to be, on Lupron, not Orgovyx. My Gynecomastia occurred after starting Casodex (bicalutamide) as a flare prevention when re-starting Lupron. I got a little breast enlargement but the radiation appears to have arrested it. In the words of the radiation oncologist “we’re trying to keep the cup size as low as possible”. The RT was done at UCSF in July 2020.

[JWS13 in reply to Velohomme]

did you have it prevatative (before gyn ) or after?

[Tall_Allen]

You can get tamoxifen now as a transdermal. It won't have the clotting problems that can be caused by pills. It works much better than radiation.

empowerpharmacy.com/drugs/t...

Maybe try rubbing it on your chest.

[Explorer08 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you TA! I've messaged my urologic oncologist about this and will be chatting with my RO tomorrow, as well.

[jfoesq in reply to Tall_Allen]

Tall_Allen My understanding is that the tamoxifen is not effective after the gynecomastia has been present for a long time- I have had mine ever since I began ADT 11 years ago. Does that also apply to the radiation treatments?

[Tall_Allen in reply to jfoesq]

After connective tissue sets in, the only way to get rid of it is surgically.

[jfoesq in reply to Tall_Allen]

That's what I thought.

Thx

[JWS13 in reply to Tall_Allen]

does tamoxifen work 4 months after Orgovyx treatment? Does it interfere with Testosterone coming back in any way?

how long before connective tissue sets in?

[Tall_Allen in reply to JWS13]

It doesn't interfere with T coming back. It only blocks estrogen receptors in breast tissue.

[JWS13 in reply to Tall_Allen]

is it too late for me 5 months post Orgovyx treatment? How do you know when connective tissue sets in?

[Tall_Allen in reply to JWS13]

Ask your dermatologist.

[Hidden in reply to Tall_Allen]

Or your Gynecologist!!!

Sorry J-O-H-N is rubbing off.🫣

[GranPaSmurf]

For me, gynecomastia began 35 years ago when I started spironolactone for hyperaldosteronism. I still remember the look on my grandson's face when I cried out because he suddenly jumped into my lap.

I'm hereby warning you, men, don't discuss your gynecomastia with the women in your life. You will hear, "Now you know how we feel several days every month."

I know you're thinking,' But 24/7 - all day, every day.'

Men, don't go there. There is no way any further discussion works in your favor.

So says the voice of experience.

[MateoBeach]

similarly had two easy RT treatments 10 years ago. 90% effective. Go for it.

[Tommyj2 in reply to MateoBeach]

Any recollection re the cost?

[RCOG2000]

I had five days of focused radiation to limit gynecomastia prior to beginning, androgen deprivation without any significant side effects. There is an old study control trial, comparing tamoxifen and radiotherapy, showing tamoxifen superior and radiotherapy having more side effects. However, the radiotherapy in that study is way out of date and involved only one treatment at very high dose.

[treedown]

I had it done a few months ago. It seems to have worked. After a few weeks on Xtandi they were growing quickly as I was less active at the time. It was hard to say if I saw a reduction or not but now after getting my biking back up to speed/distance they look like pecks not moobs. Once I start weights again I hope to see further improvement. 5 treatments, the used some kind of mat on my breast as well. No side effects so far and only some mild reddening on the skin at the time.

[SViking in reply to treedown]

Was the radiation covered by Medicare?

[treedown in reply to SViking]

I am not on Medicare but was covered by insurance.

[Cooolone]

I had chosen the RT route, but as noted above, the drug seems to work better by statistical performance. The RT has worked for me, but it's good to see the options.

Here's the link:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Best Regards

[bldn10]

My understanding is that it is prophylactic, not a treatment for existing gynecomastia. I.e. you get it before it sets in - is that not correct? I was a Pt of Snuffy Myers for years before my PSA started taking off in 2016. He put me on Lupron, Casodex, and Bicalutimide and never mentioned anything about gynecomastia. I was only on the ADT for 6 mos. but I did get some breast enlargement and I'm not happy about it.

As it looks like more ADT might be in my future, I'm definitely going to do something this time. Can my Rad-Onc prescribe Tamoxifen? Will Medicare pay for it?

[j-o-h-n]

I can't use this expression anymore when arguing with my wife...

"TIT for TAT"

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 10/02/2023 5:14 PM DST