1. 2008 diagnosed with prostate cancer, PSA = 6, Gleason = 4 (current usage at the time in Thailand, where I live). Elected to go with active surveillance.
2. From 2008 to 2023, PSA score gradually increased to 13.4 by early 2023. Two further biopsies (2014, 2019) gave Gleason = 6. Also had BPH, size increase from 45 ml in 2008 to 125 ml in 2023.
3. Late 2023, PSA suddenly rises to 19.5, so ends active surveillance phase. PSMA PET scan shows cancer just starting to break out of capsule into left seminal vesicles (pathology report: “small area at basal left lobe prostate involving left seminal vesicle, suspected viable tumour. Tissue study is suggested.”) Otherwise the PSMA PET scan clean.
4. Extracapsular extension puts me in high risk category, so radiation treatment and ADT prescribed, with 1st gen Lupron clone. ADT starts early 2024, and radiation treatment performed June-July 2024 (20 sessions). ADT drops PSA to 0.018.
5. Onco prescribes 1.5 years of ADT. About 1 year in, I have noticed an onset of arthritis, slight weight gain, some muscle loss, low energy state, constant hot flashes.
6. Given my age (72) I am particularly concerned about the arthritis, so have decided to quit the ADT in the interests of mobility. Justification is that (a) the extracapsular extension was minor, with area included in the radiation treatment, (b) intermittent ADT is a very viable option, as effective as continuous treatment, should it be required.
7. Question: Have I made the right decision, or should I continue with further 6 months of ADT and risk further joint damage?