PSA flare following first round of Docetaxel

[NDJIM]

I met with my MO today after starting Docetaxel 3 weeks ago…first infusion. My PSA went from 0.33 to 1.13. She said that a flare like this often happens. Has anyone else experienced this and any idea why it happens? Thanks in advance.

[NDJIM]

What was also confusing is that my Onc Team said that my response was textbook and a decrease should show after treatment 2-3. Confused

[vintage42]

Flare has been mentioned in the forum and is not uncommon.

"... 14% had an initial PSA flare after starting docetaxel-based chemotherapy. The occurrence of PSA flare had no effect on treatment duration or outcome.." pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/189...

"Postchemotherapy PSA surges occur not infrequently in patients with CRPC who respond to chemotherapy." annalsofoncology.org/articl...

[EdBar]

I believe the increase is due to dead cancer cells releasing PSA into the bloodstream and being picked up by the test.

Ed

[NDJIM]

Thank you, gentlemen. Much appreciated.

NDJIM

[Rocketman1960]

I believe this can be attributed to cell die off picked up as PSA. steady as she goes...

[Tall_Allen]

It happens because dead PCa release their PSA into your blood stream.

[NDJIM in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you, TA. You always ease my mind a bit.