DRE Exam after IMRT every 6 months

[Surfer33]

Is this standard procedure?

[Derf4223]

Not sure -- more DRE's after radiation wasn't in my case. Speaking of cases, its bad karma to not include case highlights in one's HU bio. Is your doc not doing monthly PSA testing?

[Aodh]

It would be dependent on where in the prostate your cancer was located; your PSA history before and after radiation plus the level of radiation given. There are probably more factors than that but I’m not a doctor.

Given that my radiation treatment occurred in the early part of Covid19, I have been checked only through 6monthly PSA checks since 2020 and telephone consultations with my oncologist. It probably also depends on the practice in your region / country.

If you are ONLY having DREs without PSA checks, I would be concerned unless you have been told that your cancer type doesn’t express PSA.

I recommend that you discuss with your oncologist.

Hugh

[Surfer33 in reply to Aodh]

Hi Hugh, Hope you are doing well ! I credit you with helping me to decide to continue my ADT for 2 years . You made some convincing arguments , hit it hard first time, and I so appreciate you reaching out to me.

[Aodh in reply to Surfer33]

I’m happy to help where I can. I received so much help on this site, I really appreciate it. I’m due my next annual review in a couple of weeks so have the usual mild anxiety! Glad you’re ok too.

[MrGreenJeans]

I have my annual physical exam with my GP in a few weeks and he's always done a DRE as part of it. Recently finished SBRT and wondering if he'll do it this time. Increasing PSA found my PC, the DRE's were always negative.

[Surfer33 in reply to MrGreenJeans]

Thanks. At my first 3 month meeting with RO, she said would happen every 6 months , I thought that that was maybe standard practice . Now with the replies ,I'm thinking it's because I had a positive DRE with another RO who I didn't use. My RO now has never done one , due to some cancelations, and wont be till April which will be 1 year after my IMRT. Not that I'm complaining :), I was just wondering if it could be an issue, although only really missed first 6 month one.

I see my MO every 3 months for lupron shots (2 year total) and my psa remains low at 0.1 from original 27

[Teacherdude76]

Not in my experience.

[Don_1213]

Wasn't for me. Do you feel two hands on your shoulders? Who is doing this?

[Surfer33 in reply to Don_1213]

That's a good one Don, but no.

[PSAed in reply to Don_1213]

😂😂

[fast_eddie]

I wouldn't think so. I consider DRE to be a screening test. I never had another after I was diagnosed. Once you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, what's the point? There are scans (axumin, pylarify, prostate MRI) that can be more informative than the fickle finger.

[Surfer33 in reply to fast_eddie]

Interesting , thanks Fast Eddie. Ya, I don't know . I'll ask my RO or RONP , who ever I see in April. Seems no one gets one post radiation.