How to know when Docetaxel works or not?

[Tbo29]

I will be on on my third cycle next Monday. Bloodtest was very good, but PSA is still rising. From 4.29 from 2 months ago, now 5.50. Is it to early to expect if it's working? I'm very worried, even if I don't have any symptoms from my stage 4 mcrPC.

[speranza10]

Usually you do 3 or 4 infusions and then you do scans to see what the cancer is actually doing.

[NanoMRI]

I had this question with bicalutamide which I took for a year as 'added insurance' following my third treatment, salvage ePLND, which yield a nadir of <0.010. If my uPSA never rose, what role did the drug play? If my PSA rose, did it provide any benefit?

Today, I am on immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma of single liver met. First and second MRI showed reduction in size. Most recent full body scans and liquid blood biopsy testing indicate NED. So it seems to be working. Hope this (possible) parallel is helpful. All the best!

[Tall_Allen]

That PSA rise might be from cancer cells dying. Imaging will be more informative.

[Eye2eye]

HelloI hope you are not having too many side effects from Docetaxyl.

My husband was warned to expect a rise in psa during chemo. His initial psa was over 4000,with ADT only since Oct it fell to 6.33.

He has had 1 cycle and so far, and only felt very tired on days 8-11.

We hope that what kind pwople have shared is our experience,that the first cycle is often the patten of side effects for future ones.

Sending all good wishes to everyone.

S

[Tbo29 in reply to Eye2eye]

Don't seem to have any side effects. No nausea, nothing. Feeling very well, except a little bit tired after dinner. Always hungry and thinking about what to cook and eat. As my wife is from Peru, many nice peruvian and italian meals. Hair is still in it's place. My Oncologist just anticipated a meeting the 8th. Let's see what she had to say.I'm hoping that my next step could be Lu-177 as I'm eligible, so it would be covered by the Italian health system.

[Luv2fish]

hubby always had scans after 3 infusions

[SeosamhM]

You are playing the long game with an aggressive treatment, Tbo29 - short term PSA means little. Imaging and how you feel are everything. Discuss this with your doctors.

You say that you are asymptomatic. Also, you appear to be in Italy. It sounds like the beginning of a good day to me....🙂

[RoseDoc]

You can get an initial rise after the first few treatments. I would check after the 4th and 5th infusions. If it is still rising, consult with your oncologist as to next steps, possible imaging.