Low PSA + high Gleason-FYI

[Jpburns]

I’ve just heard that this is a thing. Unfortunately it seems to affect my outcome.

For instance, I had an initial PSA of 4.8 (4.6 after retesting), and I’m Gleason 9. Three of my doctors have mentioned it to me in passing (most recently today), which led me to Google it.

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

Unfortunately, it seems to indicate a higher level of mortality.

“In this study, we found that low-prostate-specific antigen, high-grade prostate cancer has a very high risk for prostate cancer death, may not respond well to androgen deprivation therapy, and is associated with neuroendocrine genomic features.”

Bummer.

[Garbonzeaux]

Not necessarily a bummer. At diagnosis, my PSA was about the same as yours, and Gleason 10. Chemo and lupron worked extremely well for me, and I have had undetectable PSA now for 6 years. One of my oncologists referred to me as a "super-responder."

[Jpburns in reply to Garbonzeaux]

Glad for you. Seriously. And maybe I'll be in the same boat.

I just found the literature... sobering. My mood varies from day to day, and as treatment looms, I'm getting more of a sense of "this is real."

Next week I meet with the radiation oncologist. I'm heavily leaning towards radiation alone as a treatment.

[fast_eddie]

My PSA was only 2.7 when diagnosed Gleason 8. That was 7 1/2 years ago. I am doing OK.

[j-o-h-n]

You'll be around for many many years...........shit I'm 87 and still not room temperature. I saw your art in burnscomics.com and it's definitely not a bummer..........You'll be knocking out your art for your grandchildren to display in their college dorms, so keep those brushes clean ..........

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Jpburns in reply to j-o-h-n]

All digital, by the way. No brushes. Done on an iPad.

[j-o-h-n in reply to Jpburns]

WoW!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Jumpingbellybeans]

I’m 44 and was diagnosed last year with 0.54 PSA Gleason 9. I also read that article and it felt like getting shot in the stomach. My oncologist recommended the Peace 1 trail treatment. I started ADT (Zytiga) in May 2023 then Radiation in May to July 2023 then Chemo (doxetaxel) every 3 weeks 6 cycles from Aug to Dec 2023. MRI very good response and PSA is at 0.014. Stay strong.