Testosterone and adrenal glands

[Eugmn]

Hello all,

so I finished 10 rounds of chemo docetaxel last year in September. My PSA was down to 2.8 Oct 5th. I had an orchiectomy Oct 15.

My PSA started to rise. Nov 5th PSA 5.15. Dec 6th PSA 7.85. Jan 11 PSA 16.23

I have had CT and bone scan early October and another set of scans early January. The January scans do not show any significant changes.

my testosterone levels have been <7.00 since I started Lupron six years ago and after I had the orchiectomy.

my oncologist, when seeing my PSA rise in November, suggested that the rise could be because of the surgery I had and wasn’t too concerned. Now here we are January and the PSA has continued to climb without any changes to my CT or bone scans. My oncologist is suggesting that I do another round of Docetaxel.

Is it possible that my adrenal glands are still producing testosterone? And would this not show up in a standard testosterone test?

I have had 10 rounds of chemo, and upon completion my PSA dropped down and then bounce back up a month later. Same thing happened when I had three rounds of Lutetium, PSA dropped way down and then within a month of completing the procedure it shot back up again. I’m not so sure that if I do chemo again, I won’t end up with the same result.

Thank you for any feedback

[MoonRocket]

Have you discussed trying Xtandi (enzalutimide). You might get some mileage from it. If you haven't, I think it's worth considering.

[Eugmn in reply to MoonRocket]

thank you for the reply. I have tried Zytiga and Xtandi. Both gave me a PSA drop for maybe one month and then my PSA rebounded shortly thereafter.

[MoonRocket in reply to Eugmn]

Ok..I saw zytiga in your bio but not Xtandi. You have quite a history in there so I must have overlooked the Xtandi.

Have you had genetic testing done? If not, that is the next step I would investigate.

[Eugmn in reply to MoonRocket]

yes, I have had genetic testing done. I have the. CHEK 2 gene.

[MoonRocket in reply to Eugmn]

There is at least 1 clinical trial for Chk2 mutations. Might be an option.

Good luck

[Eugmn in reply to MoonRocket]

thank you for that recommendation. I was not aware I will look into it.

[Tall_Allen]

Perhaps discuss biopsy of a metastasis (not the prostate) to get histology and IHC analysis. My IHC "wish list" is: AR (androgen receptor), PSA, PSMA, MSH2, MSH6, STEAP1, PD-L1, PTEN, chromogranin A (CGA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), synaptophysin (SYP),  DLL-3, CD56, Somatostatin (SST)

[dhccpa in reply to Tall_Allen]

My MO says it's very difficult to get a biopsy from a bone met (only kind I've ever had). What's your thoughts on that? Thanks

[Tall_Allen in reply to dhccpa]

It depends on how big it is. You have to talk to an interventional radiologist.

[Eugmn]

thank you so much for your advice. I will bring this up with my oncologist.

[Lizzo30]

Yes the adrenal glands produce DHEA which is converted into testosterone Your adrenal glands may even be making up for the loss of testosterone by producing DHEA

Have you looked into estrogen patches to counter / block testosterone and to treat advanced pc ?

[Eugmn]

Thank you for your reply. I was not aware of this. I will definitely bring this up with my oncologist.

[j-o-h-n]

Be aware.......... if your dog is gone........... I stole it........ Keep plugging away, you'll make it to see great great granpuppies....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[85745]

I chose to opt out of chemo.... for now, instead I maintain my body in Ketosis (a metabolic state that occurs when your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose) , done through diet mainly 90% plant based some fish . No dairy, no meat Some say ketosis helps with treatments. I can't say don't know. I also do intermitent and prolonged fasting, NO sugars or refined carbs only certain veg carbs. Also Fenbendazole, and many supps. Gut bio is critical = fermented foods with dinner. Tudca as well. Started taking Gum Mastic ( pistacia lentiscus) . Research Spirulina combined with colliodal silver forPC. If nothing else said to be good for my overall health . Most important for me is a glucose/ ketone monitor kit ( Amazon ) Recently got addicted to seaweed snacks Gimme brand. ( Amazon ). SW is packed with vit and mineral and most important iodine and much more. Best ufhealth.org/news/2013/flor...