Have not been on here for awhile so I'll update. Had 15 weeks of prostate radiation from in June to August. Was not as bad as I feared. Seems my PSA has gone from 14 to 0.05 since ending the last dose of radiation. I'm told I have to stay on lupron injection and Nubeqa for the next 2 years as a precaution to make sure the radiation worked. Had no side effects as of yet but still possible to have some start in the future which I hope does not happen. But, I have found other problems stemming from the homone therapy and the radiation which is one reason I am writing this. I had a fall back in March and had to have an MRI. That MRI found an Abdominal Aortic Aneurism. Recently I had to have a cat scan for which found a cryst in the body of my Pancreas. I was healthy to a point before finding I had prostate cancer back in 2016. Did not have Aneurisms or cryst then so a couple days ago I started doing some research and decided to see if either the Aneurism or Cryst could be caused by one, radiation and 2, prostate cancer hormone therapy. Come to find out to my surprise, the Aneurism could be caused from the prostate caner hormone therapy and pancreas cryst from the prostate cancer radiation. My question to anyone, ..
Has anyone experienced either of these from your prostate hormome therapy or radiation treatments. If not get checked for each. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is not something to have and not know about it, same for the pancreas cryst. I was never told either of these were possible but I had neither before going through these treatments. I have an appointment with the radiation doctor soon and will be discussing this with him. I'm not a happy camper. Have a upcoming appointment with my cancer doctor and will be discussing this with him
Curious to know if anyone else has either of these issues from their treatments.
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"Come to find out to my surprise, the Aneurism could be caused from the prostate caner hormone therapy and pancreas cryst from the prostate cancer radiation.."
Yes, radiation exposure, particularly high doses from radiotherapy, can be associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cysts, as it can damage pancreatic tissue and potentially lead to the formation of cysts, although this is considered a relatively rare occurrence; the primary concern with radiation exposure to the pancreas is the increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
I would think that with modern collimation that the pancreas wouldn't get much of a dose; I'd also think it would generally take longer to result in cysts, let alone cancer.
My mother died of pancreatic cancer. My (twin) brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. He was treated surgically, not RT. He got an MRI because of residual pain in the area of an inguinal hernia repair. They picked up multiple pancreatic cysts, which he's being followed for.
I had a CT in pre-op testing before my mitral valve repair in March, and...they found a nodule on my thyroid, which I will be followed for.
That's the thing about this imaging thing--they find stuff. Might just be one of those incidentalomas.
Yes, hormone therapy can be associated with pancreatic cysts, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood:
Yes, hormone therapy for prostate cancer can increase the risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA):
- Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)
ADT is a common treatment for prostate cancer, but it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including AAA. This is because androgens, like testosterone, are thought to play a role in AAA formation
What I have posted is what I found so far. I'm researching more information on this This is a serious complication with these treatments and should be discussed with patients letting them know, instead of just saying could cause heart problems. These things can burst in you do not know about them to follow up on them. They could get a disesection with flap which leak blood between artery walls which is extreme emergency situation.
Not knowing about abdominal al aorta aneurysms can be extrembly serious and life threatening.
In the UK, screening letter has been issued via NHS to my father who is MHSPca, and has been on ADT + Xtandi, plus Alendronic Acid, and Statins for raised BP from Xtandi, for 9 months. Aortic Aneurysm screening is not routine here. Prior to PCa diagnosis, he was on no prior medication. It is without doubt a screening that has been scheduled from the PCa/medication for it that has been given.
If your father is over 65, he will have been offered an NHS screening ultrasound for aortic aneurysm, regardless of any other health conditions, so your assertion is wrong.
what is the requirement for them then? My father has never had cardio issues until the PCa DX and treatment started. He has been advised to monitor his BP every day since starting ADT and Xtandi and has had a measurable decline in cardiovascular health. He was fit and healthy pre DX.
Thank you for sharing this information. It’s not uncommon for patients undergoing prostate cancer treatments to encounter unexpected health concerns due to the therapies' effects on other parts of the body. Below is a breakdown of the issues you mentioned:
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy, particularly with drugs like Lupron (leuprolide), can influence vascular health. Studies suggest that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) might increase the risk of cardiovascular events, potentially contributing to vascular changes such as aneurysms.
ADT alters hormonal balance, which may affect arterial walls, making them more susceptible to weakening or dilation over time.
Pancreatic Cysts and Radiation
Radiation therapy, particularly if it targets areas near the pancreas, could potentially cause inflammation or damage that might lead to the formation of pancreatic cysts.
It’s worth noting that pancreatic cysts are often incidental findings and can be benign, but they should be monitored to rule out malignancy or complications.
Considerations and Recommendations
1. Discuss with Your Healthcare Providers: Your radiation oncologist and medical oncologist can provide insights into whether these conditions are directly related to your treatments. They may also recommend additional imaging or blood tests to monitor these findings.
2. Monitor for Symptoms:
Aneurysm: Watch for signs like abdominal or back pain and discuss any symptoms with your doctor immediately.
Pancreatic Cysts: These are often asymptomatic but should be monitored regularly to detect any changes.
3. Seek Specialist Input:
For the aneurysm, consider consulting with a vascular surgeon or specialist.
For the pancreatic cyst, a gastroenterologist may be helpful to assess the need for further evaluation or monitoring.
4. Stay Proactive with Screening: Since these findings may relate to the treatments, regular follow-up imaging and tests are crucial.
Community Feedback
Sharing your experience with others who have undergone similar treatments might provide additional insights or support. Online forums like cancer-specific support groups can be helpful for comparing experiences and gathering tips.
Your vigilance and willingness to explore these issues are commendable. Hopefully, your upcoming appointments will clarify the situation and guide the next steps. If you'd like more information or have further questions, feel free to ask!
I had 44 rounds of radiation treatment to the prostate and pelvic lymphoid in spring of 21. Three months latter I was experiencing severe pain down my right leg. I went to the emergency room , turned out to be a cyst on the side of my bladder. The cyst was compressing the main vein to my right leg. I was admitted, it was drained. I just automatically assumed it was from the radiation.
How long have you had your AAA ... what size is it, and what are you or have you done to follow up on it. I found out about mine by db luck from a cat scan. Never had this problem before being g on prostate cancer therapy. I think doctors should tell patients about possibilities of getting aneurysms. Without knowing about these is serious medical business.
First visualized on CT of prostate in Oct 2022 to evaluate BPH. They did an Ultrasound of the abdominal aorta and confirmed 3 CM ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM. Recommended follow=up ultrasound in 3 years. I wasn't diagnosed with PC until 2023 during TURP to enlarge the urethra where it passes through prostate. Surgeon found suspicious looking tissue that turned out to be Gleason 9 (4+5) tumor tissue. Did 28 sessions of IMRT in Feb-Mar. Most recent PSMA PET in June identified the size of the AAA as 3.1 cm. None of the docs are concerned about it. I am 78 and have atherosclerosis as well.
I am interested in finding the sources that informed you of the relationship between your treatments and your side effects.
Information from doctors delivered verbally? Popular press? Medical Journals? Consults with specialist physicians?
Tall Allen is asking for links. Perhaps you did not understand that he is not asking for causal links, but asking for internet links to source materials.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
PCa Abbreviation List UPDATED 1/26/2023 
Interesting report on the efficacy of IMRT on prostate cancer
Advanced Prostate Cancer - Alternative Treatments
Patterns of Cancer Progression of Metastatic Hormone-sensitive PCa in the ECOG3805 CHAARTED Trial
What are the better treatments for metastasis of the bone and pelvic lymph nodes?
