Blood tests - what frequency?

[Simpson80]

Generally at what frequency do most people do blood tests to check PSA, testosterone and ALP ?

[6357axbz]

One to 6 months, depending on how active your cancer is

[MoonRocket]

Every 3 months you should get a PSA, CBC, CMP. T levels only when needed to ensure T is being properly suppressed.

[Don_1213 in reply to MoonRocket]

I'd agree except T - that should go along with the PSA read. It's a cheap test, and trends in T level can influence treatment. My medical oncologist insists on it - the radiation guy not so much, my urologist goes along with me MO. My mystery is why my T has been dropping over the past year - I recovered after ADT to around 320-340 (not bad for an old guy - and I got horny once in a while even..) It's been on a downtrend for the past 6 months - down around 180 now and naked ladies could dance in front of me and I'd be bored. Plus my GP and MO feel the low T may be making some leg and circulatory issues worse... so we're going to be looking into TRT and quite frequent PSA tests to make certain it doesn't trigger anything,.

I guess my answer to the OP - would be - it depends.

[fireandice123]

I don’t think there’s one answer. It varies as one’s condition varies. For me, when things are stable I get a PSA test every four months and a CMP about every six months. When things are in flux and we’re trying to get to stability it varies from monthly to every 3 months.

Also, my MO has put in standing orders for me to get a PSA test whenever I want and on occasion when I have felt some anxiety I have gone in for a test. Those tests haven’t found anything significant but they have lowered my anxiety level.

[Nusch]

Every three months

[Conlig1940]

Typically 3 to 6 months . Depending on your Gleason Score .

Potentiallly more often if you are an 8, 9 or 10 ( Grade Group 4 or 5 .)

Each Urologist has their own pet guidelines .

[NanoMRI]

Recently I changed to bi-monthly from monthly. IMO equally important questions are what value does one rely one as best indicator and at what value will one act?

Having learned to not give this beast time and obscurity I rely on three data points - PSA, blood biopsy testing and imaging.

[Simpson80 in reply to NanoMRI]

Do you mean PSMA imaging ? How frequently ? What is a blood biopsy testing ?

[NanoMRI in reply to Simpson80]

Currently awaiting result on third (somewhat annual) PSMA - first was Ga68, second and third Pylarify. Hoping (anticipating) this third to also be clear, then looking to have fluciclovine and/or Choline for comparison. (Yes, some would say over the top unnecessary or too soon, but as mentioned, doing all I can to stay ahead).

Also awaiting result on second (annual) GUARDANDT360 CDx liquid blood biopsy. Another I have not had is FloundationOne Liquid CDx. (Some say too soon or not useful for my status; will I find no evidence of disease from multiple investigative methods very useful). This is information: cancer.gov/news-events/canc...

[Justfor_]

PSA every 30-45 days. Hormones, not only tT quarterly. ALP once-twice annually.

[Simpson80 in reply to Justfor_]

Which other hormones ?

[Justfor_ in reply to Simpson80]

DHT, E2 and SHBG.

[Tall_Allen]

It depends on if you are changing treatment, and what your PSADT is.

[Simpson80 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I have only been on orgovyx since 6 weeks and have a meeting with the doctor this week. The only tests he has asked for now are PSA and testosterone .

[Tall_Allen in reply to Simpson80]

Seems reasonable.

[Worked_the_World]

At three months out of SBRT, and six months on Orgovyx, I asked my Medical Oncologist for every six weeks through the summer. She agreed. I am simply paranoid and an engineer (ex) who likes to follow trends. PSA before SBRT was 0.3. Last week in July 10, it was 0.2. I was hoping for lower but 0.2 is considered good. My experience at 85 years old.

[Leader4077 in reply to Worked_the_World]

You are “golden” with those numbers at 85…..keep doing what you are doing and encourage others you might know with PCa that life is worth living….Congratulations!

[Leaffan57]

I’m on Eligard and Erleada, I see my MO and get a full on blood test every 6 months.

[Mrtewills in reply to Leaffan57]

Same here.... same stuff..I get my blood taken monthly.. I have no idea why..

[bluephi]

I get PSA, CMP and ALP every 3 months

[Keniszen in reply to bluephi]

Is ALP part of the CMP panel ?

[GDeG in reply to Keniszen]

Yes, ALP component of CMP

[Keniszen in reply to GDeG]

Thanks my ALP got high following my radiation treatments

[Big_Mcc]

Every 7 months in the UK NHS

[Explorer08]

PSA, CMP, Testosterone, CBC every three months. I’m Gleason 9, oligometastatic and taking Orgovyx and Xtandi.

[EdBar]

Every 6 weeks for me, I want to know if there’s any PSA uptick. This is despite my PSA being in a good place right now after SBRT to a rib late last year. I’ve always gotten frequent bloodwork done, Snuffy Myers originally had me on monthly testing regimen. I’d rather know than not know.

Ed

[kiteND]

Every three months. Both my local MO and my specialist at Mayo want the blood lab work done before my appointments with them, which is every three months. Because the dates don't always match up or the full spectrum of tests they each want, I end up getting labs drawn twice as much.

[SteveTheJ]

3 months

[Mrtewills]

Monthly, complete panel

[Sandy752]

PSA every six months for the past 13 years. My oncologist has not suggested other tests.

[Sagewiz]

I do mine quarterly just prior to my Lupron injection.

[hanseunuch]

all 6 weeks for my testosterone, because im castrated and take testo-top gel each morning.

[Scout4answers]

PSA and T once a month CBC every 6 mo. to Year

[Teacherdude72]

Many MO doctors will say three months. Personally in my over 9 years with G9 aggressive PCA I have chosen monthly partly because my insurance covers the entire cost but for my piece of mind.That said it is a personal choice in correspondence with the doctor's suggestion.

[Simpson80 in reply to Teacherdude72]

Did you do chemo?

[Teacherdude72 in reply to Simpson80]

I did not. I did at one point have radiation treatment, Ogolio metastic, for two local spots in lymph nodes. That was four years ago.

[hanseunuch]

I have to confess, that meanwhile i m getting aroused a bit, when the cute nurse will tap me!!! The little 'kiieeks' isnt hurting so much, but her soft hands and voice, when she stitches me since now six years, the touchings a.s.o. will make me some goose-bumps. And if it would take more time, perhaps my old gelded tail would drool - omg....